Real Madrid News
Real Madrid offered former La Masia forward, but club not interested in January move
Over the past few days, there have been a lot of murmurs surrounding Real Madrid and a potential move for Galatasaray’s Argentine striker Mauro Icardi in the January window.
The injury to Vinicius Jr. has left Los Blancos thinly stretched in attack, with Carlo Ancelotti now making do with only two senior forwards in Joselu and Rodrygo Goes.
As such, there has been talk about a move for Icardi, who has been in good form away in Turkey recently, ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Indeed, the attacker, who spent three years at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has scored 15 goals for Galatasaray this season.
Icardi’s agent fueled rumours
Even though it was suggested that Real Madrid do not plan on signing Icardi or any other forward in January, the former La Masia trainee’s agent sparked rumours with his comments.
Indeed, Icardi’s agent revealed that he had been in Madrid and met with Los Blancos’ officials, although he confirmed that there was no offer made.
“I’m in Madrid right now (yesterday). Real Madrid has not made any offer for Icardi. They have not yet made an official offer. But we are talking to those responsible for Real Madrid,” he said.
Real Madrid not interested
Now, according to a fresh report from Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Real Madrid have indeed been offered the services of Mauro Icardi, but they have no interest in signing him in January.
Senior sources at the club have informed the aforementioned outlet that they did indeed see Icardi’s agent recently, but made it abundantly clear to him that they were not interested in signing the former Inter Milan, and PSG striker.
Carlo Ancelotti has called up Real Madrid Castilla forward Gonzalo Garcia to the first-team squad for tomorrow’s game against Cadiz to make up for Vinicius’ absence.
If Real Madrid remain firm on their stance of not wanting to sign anyone else, Gonzalo could stand to play quite a bit under Ancelotti.
For now, though, despite talks with Icardi’s agent, there is simply no interest from the club in the Argentine.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
