Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president takes charge of club’s plan to renew another key superstar
Real Madrid started the new season in a less than convincing manner, relying on a late goal from Carlos Espi to secure a 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
While there were several positives, including the performance of Jude Bellingham, others largely disappointed, with Vinicius Jr, in particular, not having the best of nights.
Bellingham capped his display with the opening goal, and his standout showing has only reinforced Real Madrid’s determination to secure his long-term future.
A crucial season for Bellingham
According to Defensa Central, this is shaping up to be a pivotal campaign for the England international, who has a contract until June 2029 but must address his renewal with the club soon.
Bellingham is now entering his fourth season at Real Madrid, yet it was only in his debut campaign that he truly showcased his full potential.
The hope internally is that Jose Mourinho’s arrival can help restore the midfielder to his very best, both individually and in terms of silverware.
His words after the Espanyol win, in which he stressed the importance of helping the team and the unity within the group, were warmly received not just by supporters, but by Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez too.
Florentino takes charge
It is now Perez himself who is taking personal charge of the renewal.
The Real Madrid president knows the negotiation will not be straightforward. Bellingham’s Premier League suitors are likely to drive up the cost of any new deal.
But Perez is clear that the midfielder is an untouchable piece who must be retained at all costs.
Working in Real Madrid’s favour, however, is Bellingham’s own contentment in the Spanish capital.
The 23-year-old is said to be delighted playing for the club and thoroughly enjoying life in Spain, appreciating both the lifestyle and the climate, something he had to contend with during his previous spells in England and Germany.
Ultimately, though, it will be trophies and performances that shape the negotiations. And with Perez personally steering the process, Real Madrid appear confident of getting the deal done.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
