Real Madrid News
Real Madrid plot move for La Liga striker with €25m release clause to replace Gonzalo Garcia
After a series of new signings, Real Madrid are on the verge of their first major sale of this summer, in the form of Gonzalo Garcia.
The young Spanish striker is poised to join Fulham in a deal worth €40 million, in which Real Madrid will continue to hold 30% of the player’s transfer rights.
It is a masterstroke from Los Blancos, selling a youth player for a fortune while retaining a major chunk of his transfer rights. But Garcia’s exit does create a hole in the squad.
Real Madrid plot move for Carlos Espi
In order to fill that gap, Real Madrid are now seriously considering a move for Levante forward Carlos Espi, reports AS.
Aged only 21, Espi proved his credentials at the highest level of football last season, when he scored 11 goals in just 25 matches in La Liga for Levante.
His productivity played a key role in helping Levante escape relegation. His performances did not unnoticed either, with Real Madrid now considering him as a potential replacement for Garcia.
This comes on the back of earlier reports which suggests Los Blancos are looking for a striker profile similar to Joselu, in an attempt to replace Garcia.
Espi fits the bill well as he is known for his poaching abilities inside the box, making him an effective alternative to someone like Kylian Mbappe.
How much will Espi cost?
The report suggests Espi has a release clause of €25 million and one would expect Levante to demand the same figure, given the way Espi has performed in La Liga.
The report adds that Espi was close to joining Hull City this summer. But the move stalled as soon as Espi heard rumours of Real Madrid’s interest.
Clearly, the young forward is keen on the idea of joining Real Madrid, even though he will have to play a second-fiddle role to Mbappe.
Not to mention, the striker must also compete with Endrick, who is coming on the back of a stellar loan spell at Olympique Lyon and could be the preferred option in case Mbappe gets injured.
Espi, in that regard, will only be a tactical alternative – someone who can provide a different skillset to technically gifted players such as Endrick or Mbappe.
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.
