Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will have to pay €60 million to sign 21-year-old Liverpool target – report
According to journalist Vene Casagrande (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Real Madrid will have to shell out a sum of €60 million if they wish to sign Joao Gomes from Flamengo.
Even though the Merengues have brought in Aurelien Tchouameni to replace Casemiro at the club, they are now reportedly interested in signing Brazilian enforcer Gomes from Flamengo, although they will face competition from Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, among others.
The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at Flamengo and has grown into a regular in the first team, having already made over 100 appearances in which he has three goals and assists apiece.
Joao Gomes has thrived in the No. 6 role and has managed to attract the interest of several heavy-hitters from across Europe. But, signing him will be an ordeal for his suitors, including Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old is contracted with the Brazilian outfit until the summer of 2025. And as per the report, the contract consists of a mammoth €60 million release clause.
And, it is claimed that Flamengo have no intentions of negotiating a lower fee for the midfielder, meaning that clubs will have to pay the full €60 million amount in order to sign Gomes.
Real Madrid, for their part, were reportedly willing to offer as high as €40 million for the young midfield prospect. However, with Flamengo unlikely to accept a lower sum than the buyout clause, it remains to be seen if Los Blancos are prepared to shell out the required amount.
The Spanish capital outfit have not shied from splashing the cash on the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Reinier Jesus in the past. Whether they do the same for Joao Gomes to beat Liverpool to his signing will be interesting to watch.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
Trev
September 25, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Its hilarious that these clubs can still operate in massive debt. Shelling out massive fees for players. Any other business would be closed down