Real Madrid News
Real Madrid ‘very serious’ about re-signing former academy ace – report
Reports earlier today placed Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo as Real Madrid’s top left-back transfer target ahead of the Club World Cup.
After all, the Spanish international established himself as a regular under Xabi Alonso at the German club and many felt it to be right for him to move to Spain with his coach.
His contractual situation and the large asking price from his current employers, needless to say, is a deterrent that forces Los Blancos to look towards alternative options.
Alvaro Carreras a very serious option
Journalist Rodra brings to light one such name who Real Madrid are considering. As per the update, the club are now ‘very serious’ about a potential move for Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras who has been on their radar for a while now.
Their interest in the player began back in January, but at the time they planned to continue with the existing squad and did exactly so.
Notably, Carreras has roots tracing back to Madrid. He began his footballing journey with Deportivo de La Coruna from where he moved to Real Madrid’s academy in 2017.
He spent three years at La Fabrica before signing for Manchester United in September 2020 as he did not see much scope for him to make it big. Now, however, life has seemingly come a full circle.
With Xabi Alonso taking over for the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid are seriously looking tor reinforce the defence for his first tournament in charge. A new centre-back and left-back, thus, have become an urgent need.
It remains to be seen how the economics of a potential transfer for Carreras work out, for his contract with Benfica runs until June 2029.
Benfica demand a €50 million fee for his transfer and it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can negotiate a lower amount.
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.
