Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield starlet undergoing medical in London ahead of Fulham transfer
According to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Real Madrid youngster Manuel Angel is currently in London, undergoing a medical ahead of his permanent transfer to Fulham.
The 22-year-old starlet will reunite with manager Alvaro Arbeloa and two of his former teammates, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, who also left Real Madrid for Fulham this summer.
Close to the exit doors
Manuel Angel will become the latest academy talent to move on from Valdebebas after it has become clear that a place in the first-team squad is beyond reach currently.
The 22-year-old youngster was the captain of the Castilla team last season and impressed heavily, making 35 appearances in all competitions, in which he also scored a goal.
Manuel Angel was handed his first-team debut by Arbeloa in January earlier this year, in a Copa del Rey clash against Albacete. He went on to make six more appearances for Real Madrid in the rest of the season.
However, with no place in the senior squad and his cycle with Castilla coming to an end, the Spanish prospect has decided to move to England in search of a new challenge.
Arbeloa the driving force
As was the case with the deals for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios earlier in the summer, Alvaro Arbeloa has been the driving force behind Fulham’s move for Manuel Angel as well.
The 22-year-old midfielder was also being courted by several Spanish clubs, including Almeria and Cadiz, but a chance to reunite with his former coach and play in the Premier League has seemingly convinced him to join Fulham.
With Manuel Angel already in London undergoing his medical, an official announcement of the transfer might not be far away.
As they do with almost each young talent departing the club, Real Madrid are expected to retain some control over his future likely through a percentage of future sale or even a buyback clause for a reasonable fee.
Real Madrid have signed Sergio Martinez from Racing Santander earlier this week and he could serve as Manuel Angel’s replacement in the Castilla squad.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
