Real Madrid News
Real Madrid never considered a summer move for Manchester City new signing – Romano
Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as a major market opportunity during the recently-concluded summer transfer window after PSG decided to put him up for sale.
Counted among one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, the Italian international naturally attracted a lot of interest, with there even being links to Real Madrid at some point in the summer.
Real Madrid never thought of Donnarumma signing
However, in his latest update, journalist Fabrizio Romano has clarified that Real Madrid never considered the idea of signing Donnarumma despite his availability as a market opportunity this summer.
The 26-year-old ended up signing for Premier League giants Manchester City eventually, but was never seen as a target at the Santiago Bernabeu this past summer.
Real Madrid have Thibaut Courtois as their undisputed starter in goal and have already reached an agreement to extend his contract – with only an official announcement pending.
Given the trust that they hold in the Belgian international, and with Andriy Lunin providing reliable backup, the goalkeeping department was never an area of concern for the Spanish capital giants this summer.
At 26, Donnarumma could have been a bargain signing for the long term, considering that Manchester City spent only £26 million to sign the last season’s UEFA Champions League summer.
But, such a plan was never on Real Madrid’s agenda, who invested heavily in four new signings – Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras.
And, as per Romano, Real Madrid are very happy with their new signings and their overall business in the transfer window this summer.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
