Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set to face competition from Saudi Arabian club in the race to sign top defensive target
Despite having signed no less than three new defenders this summer, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is keen on further reinforcements at the back.
The Portuguese tactician is particularly looking for a new centre-back, in order to add more competition for the likes of Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and new signing Ibrahima Konate.
Alessandro Bastoni has been widely regarded as the prime target for Los Blancos, but it appears the club are set to face fresh competition in the race to sign the Italian.
Al Hilal join race to sign Bastoni
According to Sky Sport Italy (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Al-Hilal have emerged as potential suitors for Bastoni, closely monitoring the Inter Milan defender who has long been coveted at the Bernabeu.
The report clarifies that there is no concrete offer from the Saudi club as yet, but manager Simone Inzaghi, who knows Bastoni well from their time together at Inter, is understood to be keen on reuniting with the centre-back.
Much like Real Madrid, however, Al-Hilal face a hurdle of their own. The Saudi side would need to offload one of their existing foreign players to comply with the league’s overseas quota before they could bring Bastoni in, complicating any potential move.
A deal dependent on outgoings
For Real Madrid, the situation is similarly tied to departures.
The club will not sign another centre-back until Raul Asencio is moved on, meaning Mourinho’s pursuit of Bastoni remains on hold for the time being.
Encouragingly for Los Blancos, the player’s own preference could work in their favour. As previously reported, Bastoni would choose Real Madrid if the decision were left solely to him.
The stumbling block, as ever, is the fee. Inter are said to be demanding around €75 million for their prized defender, especially given that the player, for his part, is not pushing for an exit.
With Al-Hilal now lurking and Inter holding firm on their valuation, Real Madrid may need to accelerate their plans, and resolve their own outgoings, if they are to land Mourinho’s preferred defensive target this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
