Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reach agreement to extend midfield mainstay’s contract until 2031 amid Manchester United interest – Romano
In a breaking report from Fabrizio Romano, the transfer saga surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni has come to an abrupt end and the player is set to stay at Real Madrid.
The French midfielder was long-linked with a departure from the club and extensively linked with Manchester United as their top target to replace Casemiro this summer. His sale was said to be the club’s means of getting a financial return to invest in a new name.
Now, however, the player has agreed terms on a renewal with the club and there remains no doubt around where he will play next season.
His new deal will run until 2031 and the formalities can be expected to be completed after the World Cup.
The role of Mourinho
While it is indeed an understandable decision for the club to keep Tchouameni, it is not only the player’s desire to stay that saw his renewal fall in place but also the manager’s insistence.
Jose Mourinho reportedly personally asked the player to stay amid the transfer links and was a key factor in the entire process. He pushed hard for the player’s continuity and did not want him to leave this summer.
After all, the Portuguese tactician considers Tchouameni to be the right profile for his plans – a fighter who is physically imposing and has an elite mentality.
Set to be a key cog
As part of his conversation with the player, Mourinho even reportedly assured the Frenchman that he would be a key player for him next season, virtually guaranteeing him a place in the starting XI.
Needless to say, that implies Tchouameni will be the team’s starting defensive midfielder and that the club are unlikely to sign a new pivot player this summer. In fact, he will be one of the club’s top earners, with a salary of close to €13 million, as reported by Ben Jacobs.
The development also finalises Real Madrid’s midfield blueprint ahead of the new season, as all signs now point to Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham being fixed starters.
Federico Valverde and Arda Guler are likely to be the next highest placed on the pecking order while Bernardo Silva is the latest addition and it remains to be seen where he slots in.
Eduardo Camavinga, meanwhile, is edging closer to a departure. After Tchouameni’s renewal, his chances of leaving have grown manifold.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
