Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starting to believe priority summer target could choose Premier League – report
Jude Bellingham is set to be a man in demand over the coming months as top clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City battle to sign him
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in stature since his move to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2020 from Birmingham City.
One of the most coveted young midfielders in the game, Bellingham is at the top of Real Madrid’s shopping list for the summer of 2023.
The Merengues are keen on adding fresh blood to their midfield unit amid doubts over the continuity of veteran midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, both of whom are out of contract in the summer.
Bellingham has been identified as the priority target and work has been done to make his signing a reality.
However, according to a fresh report from ABC (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid are starting to believe that Bellingham is edging closer to a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool and Manchester City are very much in the picture to sign the 19-year-old England international. Recently, even Fabrizio Romano reported that the Reds were leading the race for the midfielder at this point.
There could be some doubts creeping in within the Real Madrid offices about landing the England star, who had been identified as the natural long-term heir to Modric.
Furthermore, Los Blancos had identified Enzo Fernandez as their primary alternative if they were to miss out on Bellingham’s signing. But the Argentine international is no longer an option for the club as he recently moved to Chelsea from SL Benfica.
Real Madrid did not plan any further alternatives as per ABC beyond Bellingham and Fernandez. So, it remains to be seen how they proceed about their pursuit of a new midfielder for the summer transfer window.
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.
Pat Grey
February 3, 2023 at 2:48 am
I think the time has come to retire the two old men in charge at Real Madrid: president Florentino and dithering coach, Ancelotti, for wasting so much time in buying fresh blood to infuse into Real Madrid across virtually all the positions, of the team: midfield, forward/strikers and defence. They vacillate on getting the right players at the right time, thereby often missing out in givng enough depth to a team whose players are now more susceptible to injuries and fatigue than ever! These two Madrid officials have no more creativity or fire in the belly to be competitive. Thus, as most of us fans fear now, it will take a real miraculous to turn around the team’s fortunes to become a serious contender for such key cups as that of La Liga, Cupa de ray, and UEFA. They both should therefore be booted out before it is too, too late for our dear Real Madrid.