Real Madrid News
Real Madrid were close to sign Liverpool new arrival in 2020 – Here’s why the move collapsed
Florian Wirtz is one of the players in focus as Liverpool take on Real Madrid at Anfield tonight.
The German international will be keen on proving himself in front of his former head coach Xabi Alonso, having endured a difficult start to life at Liverpool.
However, had things gone differently, Wirtz would have been representing Real Madrid tonight, as he was apparently close to joining the club five years ago.
Real Madrid were close to signing Wirtz
According to AS, Real Madrid were close to signing Florian Wirtz in 2020, as they wanted to shore up their ranks in the creative department.
Wirtz was still a teenager at the time and was coming on the back of his rookie season in the Bundesliga that saw him make seven appearances for Leverkusen.
Having identified the talent early, Real Madrid were close to making a move for the German, especially after Eden Hazard’s poor maiden campaign at the Bernabeu.
However, the report adds that the move fell through due to the pandemic.
The report details just how advanced the operation was. Juni Calafat’s scouting department had identified Wirtz as “pure talent” and, after contacting his entourage in the winter of 2020, found the player was delighted by the thought of wearing white.
This was something that has been revealed by Bayer Leverkusen chief Fernando Carro as well recently, stating that Wirtz was only one call away.
Everything was in motion for Real Madrid. A meeting was set to take place between Real Madrid and Leverkusen to finalise the transfer of the then 18-year-old prodigy.
But due to the pandemic, the crucial meeting was postponed, and the period of financial restraint that followed effectively closed the door on new signings at the Bernabeu, thereby halting Wirtz’s path to Madrid.
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.
