Real Madrid News
Real Madrid risk losing €20m-rated midfield target with Juventus entering the race
Real Madrid’s scouting department has been busy this season, and one name that refuses to leave their radar is Rodrigo Mendoza, the young midfielder currently making waves at Elche.
What began as quiet admiration from the Spanish giants has now turned into a serious long-term assessment, especially with new competition emerging from Italy.
As such, according to Mundo Deportivo, Juventus have stepped forward with growing interest, turning this into a transfer battle that could intensify over the coming months.
Mendoza, only 20 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Spanish football.
Last year, Real Madrid wanted him for the Castilla project, hoping to polish him slowly while giving him competitive minutes in the academy structure. But the situation has changed dramatically in a short span.
No longer an academy player
His development at Elche has accelerated far quicker than most expected, transforming him from a promising Castilla-level target into a player considered ready for a first-team future at the highest level.
His growth has not gone unnoticed outside Spain either. Clubs across Europe have been following him with increasing interest.
Manchester City, for that matter, have monitored him for months, while Como attempted to sign him during the last transfer window and have not abandoned the idea.
Despite these approaches, Mendoza decided it was best to continue his progression at Elche, where he has played consistently and taken on more responsibility within the team.
After all this, Elche moved to protect their rising star, renewing his contract in August until 2028 and inserting a €20 million release clause.
For a player born in 2005 with clear top-level potential, the clause now looks extremely accessible for Europe’s biggest clubs.
Juventus ready to rival Real Madrid
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus view Mendoza as the type of midfielder who could fit perfectly into their long-term plan.
In fact, Coach Luciano Spalletti is believed to be pushing for a creative profile capable of dictating rhythm.
Real Madrid, for their part, are not panicking. The club are fully aware that this transfer story will develop slowly, mainly because Los Blancos are evaluating midfield options for the future rather than looking for an immediate signing.
The belief is that players who show maturity at a young age are worth tracking carefully, especially those who combine intelligence with versatility.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
