Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target is ‘not replaceable’, will fetch ‘a lot of money’, claims director
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has again reacted to Jude Bellingham’s future and speculations linking him to a move to Santiago Bernabeu in the coming summer.
The former midfielder has mentioned earlier that Dortmund have had no offer on the table for Bellingham just yet. In a recent interaction, the sporting director has suggested that Dortmund could be hard to negotiate with, even for Real Madrid.
“Jude Bellingham is a player who cannot be replaced. In the state he is & with his potential, he is an incredible player. He’s not replaceable, not even with a lot of money,” Kehl said (h/t MARCA).
Formerly of Birmingham City, Bellingham has enjoyed unprecedented success since joining Dortmund in 2020. He has featured in 132 competitive matches for the club and has been involved in almost 50 goals.
Due to his success, it was suggested that Dortmund would demand a hefty price for the services of the Englishman. There were even reports of figures far exceeding the €100 million mark.
Kehl echoed a similar attitude, adding, “If Jude leaves, it will be possible for us to get a lot of money according to market prices.”
The comments of the Borussia Dortmund director could make life difficult for Real Madrid, even though they have the approval of the player. With the German outfit unwilling to sell the youngster on a cut-price deal, Real Madrid may have no choice but to break the bank this coming summer.
This, in turn, could impact the club’s activity in the transfer market, potentially ruining their plans to sign an additional midfielder in the form of Gabri Veiga, who was valued at around €30 million this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
