Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will review soon-to-be-free defender’s demands and decide on his signing
Free agents, by far, have been Real Madrid’s most preferred means of doing business in recent years as is exemplified in the team’s signing of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe and even David Alaba.
With the centre-back position clearly in need of new signings, the club were linked with a plethora of top defenders who were near the end of their contract over the past year. Dayot Upamecano, Marc Guehi and Ibrahima Konate were some of the names linked.
Of all the candidates who appeared available, only one remains now and it is none other than Konate. The player is set to leave Liverpool as a free agent, but Real Madrid’s interest in the player also seemingly died down owing to his poor form.
Not ruled out
L’Equipe, in a recent update, confirm that Real Madrid have not ruled out Konate as an option and do see him as a market opportunity. However, they wish to check his details before coming to a final decision.
They will thus go through the defender’s demands and see if they can comply with them, and will even proceed to re-enter the race for him if the boxes check out.
The likely factors that will be checked will include the signing-on bonus he demands, the space he will occupy on the wage bill and his demands for guaranteed playing time among others. Real Madrid, after all, maintain strict limits on the aforementioned criteria.
Competitors in the race
The French outlet further elaborates that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have maintained contact with Konate for a long time now, and are thus the two sides seemingly ahead in the race to sign him.
Chelsea and former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, however, are also keeping eyes on him as a signing for Stamford Bridge and it remains to be seen how serious they turn out to be in his pursuit.
In any case, his future is not expected to be sorted before the FIFA World Cup and his performance at the event will be a major factor in whether or not Real Madrid make the push for him or not.
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.
