Real Madrid News
Real Madrid see Manchester City striker as Karim Benzema’s replacement
The race for Erling Haaland in the summer was long and hard-fought. In the end, it came down to a battle between two clubs: Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Both clubs placed similar proposals on the table, and the Norweigan International opted for the Premier League side after much deliberation. However, all is not over between Los Blancos and the young striker.
According to reports from Diario AS, Real Madrid still have Haaland in their plans for the future. They see the Manchester City player as the ideal replacement for Karim Benzema and wish to incorporate him down the line.
Their case is helped by the fact that Haaland has included a release clause in his contract at Etihad. The clause will be activated in the summer of 2024 and will require any interested party to shell out €150 million for his services then.
Given his unstoppable shot and presence of mind in front of goal, Haaland is one is the few players in the world who can recreate Benzema’s legacy at the club. Considering that the Frenchman will be 36 in two years’ time, it would be the ideal time for the club to sign a replacement.
In just 21 league starts for the Bundesliga side last season, the youngster scored 22 goals and recorded seven assists. Further, he found the back of the net thrice in the UEFA Champions League.
He is expected to make his Manchester City debut against West Ham early in August. With him in the ranks, Pep Guardiola’s side will look to defend their domestic title and also seal their first-ever UCL trophy.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
