Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rule out move for 21-year-old midfield prodigy who prefers Tottenham
Real Madrid have shifted their focus to the signing of a new midfielder while work continues in the background for a Galactico transfer involving Michael Olise.
As far as the midfield is concerned, Los Blancos’ incoming manager, Jose Mourinho, had multiple names in mind, one of whom happened to West Ham United and Portugal starlet Mateus Fernandes.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a fine season in the Premier League despite the Hammers’ relegation, has become one of the most coveted players in the market, with Real Madrid among his suitors.
Real Madrid pull out of race
However, according to the latest update from AS, Real Madrid have now ruled out a move for Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The Spanish capital giants made an initial enquiry for the Portuguese midfielder, with Mourinho understood to be admirer of his qualities.
However, upon making the enquiry, Real Madrid learned that Fernandes preferred a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
The Lilywhites, along with Manchester United, are both pushing to sign him and it appears that the 21-year-old prefers a move to north London as he believes it would be best for his development at this point in his career.
In fact, some reports in England have already suggested that Fernandes is close to reaching an agreement over personal terms with Tottenham.
Real Madrid, therefore, have abandoned their pursuit of Fernandes at this stage and are now pursuing alternatives.
All roads lead to Enzo Fernandez
Instead, Real Madrid are now ready to go all-in on Chelsea and Argentina superstar Enzo Fernandez.
The Blues’ vice-captain is very much open to the idea of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. In fact, the former Benfica ace has reportedly been offering himself to the club repeatedly.
With a move for Mateus Fernandes ruled out and Mourinho seemingly not fully convinced by Lille and Morocco teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, all roads lead to Enzo for Real Madrid.
Signing him will not be easy though as the Argentine World Cup winner will command a transfer fee in the upwards of the €100 million mark.
Real Madrid News
La Liga icon tears into Real Madrid forwards after Rayo Vallecano win: ‘This isn’t competitive’
Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano may have delivered another three points, but Santiago Canizares believes the result is hiding a problem that could eventually cost Jose Mourinho’s side against stronger opposition.
The former Spain and Valencia goalkeeper was particularly critical of Real Madrid’s work without the ball, arguing that their attacking players are not doing enough defensively.
His comments came after a match that produced two very different versions of Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Canizares questions Real Madrid’s defensive effort
Mourinho? No—the issue is not the manager. Madrid produced a brilliant first half, scoring three times and earning an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Yet the mood changed dramatically after the interval, when Rayo caused problems, and the home crowd eventually responded with boos.
The La Liga icon believes that contrast exposes a tactical weakness rather than being simply an off-day.
“Madrid have one thing – the best quality a team can have – and that is effectiveness; there’s no doubt about that,” he said, before adding that “if a team wants to be the best in Europe, it has to be able to play in different styles.”
For Canizares, the biggest concern starts with Real Madrid’s forwards.
“When they don’t have the ball, what the strikers do is appalling. It’s contagious.
“One looks at the other, the other looks at the other, and thinks, ‘Ah, well, if he’s not moving, neither am I’,” he argued.
A warning beyond the Rayo result
Notably, that lack of pressure can leave the rest of the team exposed. The midfield is forced deeper, the defence becomes easier to reach, and opponents are given opportunities that should not exist in the first place.
“The team falls apart; the midfielders have to drop back, link up with the defence, and any team can create chances against Real Madrid.
“This isn’t competitive, and it needs to be sorted out. If you don’t do this all year round, then on the day you actually have to do it, you might not do it quite right.”
That assessment is difficult to dismiss after what happened in the second half.
Rayo may have ultimately lost comfortably on the scoreboard, but Madrid surrendered the control they had established before the break.
Arda Guler provides a timely reminder
Arda Guler’s introduction was the biggest talking point in the game.
The Turkish midfielder helped restore some of Madrid’s attacking rhythm after Rayo had begun to gain confidence.
The 4-1 scoreline therefore gives Madrid the points Mourinho wanted, but not necessarily the complete performance he would have demanded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
