Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target provides update on his future – ‘My agents continue to negotiate with…’
Real Madrid are eyeing some superstar targets to reinforce their centre-back department next summer as a long-term option to complement the duo of Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen.
Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Guehi have stood out as three top targets on that front, given that all three players are in the final years of their contracts end next summer.
Given that both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have their deals in Madrid expiring at the same time, needless to say, only furthers the need for an elite new signing.
Konate opens up on his future
As reported by El Chiringuito TV in a recent update, the Real Madrid target spoke out openly about his future in a recent interview where he appeared to make it clear that a renewal was not off the cards.
“My future? My agents continue to negotiate with Liverpool. I hope that my decision is made very soon so that I can announce it,” he said, confirming the same.
The update, needless to say, is not a positive one for Los Blancos who continue to hope that the player will not renew his contract and can arrive as a free agent next summer to join Xabi Alonso’s plans.
Konate only recently faced off against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in a game where Liverpool knocked Los Blancos out of their socks with conviction.
On an individual level, the Frenchman shone and did fabulously to keep Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr at bay.
The ball, needless to say, is in Konate’s court. While Real Madrid indeed prioritise him, they are also aware of the realistic chance he chooses to renew his deal and have thus identified backup targets as well.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
