Real Madrid News
Real Madrid reach verbal agreement with Bundesliga defender; Liverpool ace no longer a priority
In a major development, Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato reports that Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich and France defender Dayot Upamecano.
The Merengues have been on the lookout for an established defender for the summer of 2026, with Upamecano emerging as a target, along with his compatriot Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool.
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace was also on the radars, but has now been ruled out due to his financial demands.
Upamecano close to Real Madrid
Now, as per the aforementioned report, Real Madrid have moved for Upamecano and have a verbal agreement in place with the 27-year-old centre-back.
His profile, experience, and the fact that he will be available on a free transfer make him the ideal candidate in the eyes of the club’s leadership.
Upamecano also has the advantage of already knowing several of the French players at Real Madrid. Manager Xabi Alonso, who crossed paths with him in the Bundesliga, knows him well too.
Upamecano is also being closely monitored by PSG, and has a contract extension offer from Bayern Munich as well. But it seems like the Frenchman is leaning towards a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Konate no longer a priority
Up until now, Real Madrid had identified Liverpool’s Konate as their priority target to reinforce the defence. However, this is no longer the case.
The Liverpool star, who has a contract proposal from the Premier League champions is willing to join the Spanish giants. And, while his option has not been ruled out by the club, it is no longer the priority at this stage.
Instead, Real Madrid have made Upamecano as their top target and are pressing ahead with his signing.
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.
