Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger: Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are on the verge of securing their first signing of the new season, in the form of Antonio Rudiger, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The reliable Italian journalist has given his “here we go” for the club’s pursuit of the Chelsea centre-back, who has reached a verbal agreement with Los Blancos ahead of a Bosman move in the summer.
Rudiger is yet to physically pen a contract, but his representatives had met with Real Madrid’s hierarchy, where a verbal agreement has been reached.
The report comes a day after Thomas Tuchel officially confirmed the departure of the German at the end of the season. The Chelsea manager revealed the two parties could not reach an agreement over a new contract and will depart Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Romano adds Rudiger has agreed a long-term contract, though the exact details of the deal are still being worked on, with both parties optimistic about finalising the agreement in the near future.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus were some of the other clubs involved in the pursuit of the German international, but the race was won by Real Madrid, who are prepared to offer him a key defensive role alongside Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Rudiger himself has stated his desire to play for Los Merengues in the past, so his decision to move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer could hardly be a surprise.
The addition of the former Borussia Dortmund starlet could prove to be a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti, who has struggled with his side’s lack of depth in the central defensive unit.
With almost 200 competitive appearances for Chelsea, Rudiger offers vast experience at the highest level of football. It is combined with his dogged defensive philosophy and leadership that could be pivotal in Real Madrid’s bid to restore their lost glory next season.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
