Real Madrid News
Real Madrid progressing in talks with 30-year-old La Liga star’s representative
Thibaut Courtois has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. His decision to leave the Belgium national team camp abruptly did not go down well with the management, although the player insists that it was owing to an injury that he took the sudden step.
While the truth may never be known, it can only be positive news for the offices at Santiago Bernabeu if Courtois chose to rest through his injury. After all, the Belgian has been one of the team’s best players in recent years and Ancelotti would want him fit for preseason.
On his day, Courtois can claim to be the undisputed best in the world. Yet, it is essential for every team to have a solid backup. After all, injuries have been a recurring theme with the Belgian.
Andriy Lunin has served as an able second to Courtois in recent years for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, the Ukrainian appears set to depart in the coming summer in search of more game-time, and David Soria could be the man to fill in.
According to reports from AS, talks between Real Madrid and the Getafe goalkeeper’s agent are continuing. The Merengues really like the Spanish shot-stopper as a reliable plan B and the coaching staff are fans of his arrival.
On Tuesday, Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez met with Getafe president Angel Torres as well as Soria’s agent to discuss a potential transfer. And talks are now said to be continuing with the representative.
Soria was a standout performer for Getafe last season and had a big role to play in their escape from relegation.
The 30-year-old did not miss a minute for the Spanish club in last season’s La Liga campaign, averaging a stunning 3.3 saves per game. Further, he saved four of the eight penalties he faced and maintained 13 clean sheets.
Soria is no stranger to the Santiago Bernabeu, for he is a graduate of the Real Madrid academy himself. The chance to return to his boyhood club, needless to say, would be difficult to pass.
Reports state that Juanmi Latasa could be part of a swap deal to reduce the fee involved in Soria’s acquisition. Rapid developments are expected in the week to come.
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.
