Real Madrid News
Real Madrid still in the race for Barcelona target, player a fan of the project – report
The race for Arda Guler has quickly boiled down to just two clubs. Barcelona and Real Madrid are in a direct tussle to sign the Turkish international, especially given that he prioritises a move to La Liga.
Both sides have been in constant conversation with Guler’s camp and he remains undecided on his next destination. However, it is Barcelona who appear to have taken a significant step forward in negotiations.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana via Directo Gol, Guler will not remain at Fenerbahce for another season. Moreover, the reliable journalist adds that his move to Barcelona is far from granted. After all, the prodigy really likes Real Madrid’s project.
The Merengues are reportedly willing to put in whatever it takes to sign Guler from Fenerbahce this summer, but the only downside is the direct competition he would face at the club.
An attacking midfielder by trade, the youngster would find himself brushing shoulders with not only Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric but also Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Diaz. The other option would be to play for the Castilla, but Guler will likely not take the step down.
From an economic standpoint, Real Madrid are willing to meet his release clause over three instalments. Further, their proposal offers Fenerbahce 20% of any future sale of the youngster.
The 18-year-old is considered one of football’s brightest young talents for his impeccable control of the ball and ability to find the decisive pass under pressure. With his best years still far ahead of him, the sky is the limit for Guler.
The youngster made 20 Super Lig appearances for Fenerbahce last season, scoring four goals and providing three assists. He has also made his debut for the Turkish National Team and even found the back of the net in their recent game against Wales.
Real Madrid will need to act fast if they wish to beat Barcelona to his signing as the Catalans appear to be in pole position in the race.
Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid manager defends Vinicius following red card vs Villarreal: ‘I don’t see intentionality’
Real Madrid resumed their campaign with a narrow win over Villarreal and three points, but it was yet another controversial affair due to refereeing decisions.
Vinicius Jr thought he had doubled Madrid’s lead against Villarreal, only for the goal to be chalked off and the Brazilian to be sent off in the same breath.
A VAR review showed Vinicius had tugged the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba in the build-up, prompting referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to void the goal and brandish a straight red.
The decision has split opinion, and one Madrid great has come out firmly in the forward’s corner.
Jorge Valdano on Vinicius’ red
Former real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano, speaking to Movistar, saw little malice in the incident.
“It’s an absolutely instinctive gesture. He feels they’re closing him in, he wants to get rid of it, and he does it in the most illegal way he can find,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Drawing a distinction with more serious offences, he added: “It would make the difference between what is a spit, for example, and what this is.”
The former World Cup winner was unequivocal in his assessment of the act itself. “I don’t see any intentionality, the dirtyness of the action,” he concluded.
Ominous time for Vinicius
Valdano’s sympathy will do little to console Vinicius Jr., who might be staring at a lengthy suspension after the red card incident.
The Brazilian is already at risk of missing the Clasico on October 25, with the final disciplinary ruling still to come.
The referee’s report logs two separate matters. The first is the hair pull itself; the second is his reaction, described as continued loud protests and an aggressive approach to the official that forced Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and others to restrain him.
Depending on how that conduct is classified, the suspension could stretch to two, three or four games. The one reprieve is that the red card is domestic, leaving Vinicius free for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Roma.
