Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will consider signing a defender only if a bargain option emerges
With Leny Yoro deciding to join Manchester United, Real Madrid find themselves in a tricky situation regarding their defence lineup for the upcoming season.
According to Carlos Forjanes from Diario AS, Real Madrid are now considering sticking with Aurelien Tchouameni as a centre-back unless a great deal comes up in the market at a bargain price.
It is no secret that Real Madrid were counting on Yoro to complete their squad for the 2024-25 season. His unexpected move to Manchester United has left the club short on centre-backs.
Currently, only Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are fully available. David Alaba is expected to return to full fitness no earlier than November, and Jesus Vallejo is staying with the team more out of personal determination than the club’s interest.
Real Madrid are not in a hurry
Given this situation, the club is not looking to sign a new centre-back immediately. Instead, they plan to use Tchouameni in this role if necessary, while still keeping an eye out for any market opportunities that might arise.
The main issue for Real Madrid is their reluctance to spend a lot on a backup centre-back. Yoro, an 18-year-old with great potential, was seen as a viable option due to his talent and relatively affordable price.
However, Manchester United’s offer was too tempting for Yoro and Lille to resist. United offered €20 million more than Real Madrid’s maximum offer, along with a salary of €9 million per season and a guaranteed starting position.
Madrid were unwilling to match this, leading to Yoro’s official announcement as a Manchester United player.
There are targets, but not as priorities
Real Madrid currently have no other clear targets and do not want to spend money just for the sake of it.
There is also no plan to re-sign a former youth player like Mario Gila from Lazio, as Madrid owns 50% of his rights but there is no buy-back clause. There is another name on Real Madrid’s radar, such as Laporte, who is open to returning from Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, using Tchouameni as a centre-back would reduce the number of pure midfielders available to Ancelotti, who already lost one with Kroos’ retirement.
If Tchouameni is moved to defence, Ancelotti would have to rely on Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Dani Ceballos in midfield, hoping for no injuries.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
