Real Madrid News
Real Madrid working on a third contract renewal beyond Vinicius Jr. and Tchouameni – Romano
At this point in the transfer window, Real Madrid are making purposeful advances in terms of securing arrivals and ensuring player departures, although there is still a need for more progress on the latter front.
A third concurrent objective for the administration, needless to say, is extending the contracts of players who are nearing the end of their deals.
After all, the Vinicius Jr. saga has highlighted the importance of early renewals for the player is now in the final year of his contract and there is a real fear of losing him on a free transfer if an extension is not agreed upon.
An anonymous renewal
As reported by Fabrizio Romano in a recent update, Los Blancos are working hard on an ‘important’ contract renewal in the first-team, but the identity of the player remains anonymous.
The Italian journalist confirms that the player in question is neither Aurelien Tchouameni, with whom Real Madrid have already agreed on a renewal, nor Vinicius Jr. whose renewal is the current priority of the board. It is a completely different third player.
Furthermore, Romano clarifies that the anonymous player whose renewal is being spoken about will be the next renewed player at the club, meaning that negotiations are progressing well and that there is intent to continue from both sides.
Decoding the identity
Considering the urgency of the renewal in question, the only likely possibilities are players who are on the end of their deals or a player who has performed exceedingly well at the FIFA World Cup whose future Real Madrid want to safeguard at a higher clause.
The likes of Brahim Diaz, Thiago Pitarch, Thibaut Courtois and Cesar Palacios all see their deals running out in 2027, and the renewal being spoken of could be of Diaz or Courtois.
In the list of players whose deal runs out one year later are the likes of Rodyrgo Goes and Eder Militao, and it could well be either one of the players given their recent injuries and the show of faith Los Blancos will want to hand the stars.
A third option is Jude Bellingham, whose contract runs out in 2029, as Real Madrid will want to protect the player at any cost after his stellar World Cup campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, whose deal also runs out at the same time, is another candidate.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
