Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s €25 million-rated defender seen as the only sellable first-team player – report
Less than a week remains before Real Madrid board the flight to the United States to kick off their pre-season tour. Los Blancos will engage in four games in their time overseas before the 2023/24 season officially kicks off.
Pre-season training has already been underway for a week now under the joint management of Ancelotti and Raul Gonzalez. The manager is already considering the various tactical tweaks he can make in the season to come, and it is safe to say that the composition of the squad for 2023/24 is close to fixed.
According to reports from AS, there is only one player on the first-team roster who could leave the club this summer – Ferland Mendy.
Los Blancos have bid farewell to five stars already this summer. Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Mariano Diaz, and Marco Asensio all left on free transfers early last month, while Jesus Vallejo moved out on loan to Granada last week.
Mendy could well be on his way to joining that list. After all, the manager trusts the newly arrived Fran Garcia to take over duties at left-back for next season and the Frenchman will only serve as a deputy.
The 28-year-old was widely touted as the world’s next big left-back at the time of his signing, and many felt the €48 million fee the club paid for his services was a bargain. He got off to his career at Real Madrid on the right foot, but his development has stagnated in recent times.
Mendy’s lack of productivity in the final third has hurt the team in attacking transitions. Ancelotti sees an offensive full-back to be the basis of a counter-attacking side and even has his eyes on Alphonso Davies for the same reason.
Furthermore, the Frenchman, whose market value stands at €25 million, has also endured injury issues throughout his time at the club and it was no different last season.
Mendy’s most probable destination, if he does indeed leave, would appear to be Saudi Arabia. The Merengues have already received indications of interest in the player from the Middle East.
It remains to be seen if they can convince him to make the transition this summer. They will look to recoup the entire €48 million or most of it they invested, for his services.
Ancelotti, though, reports say, would like the player to continue as a valuable backup option. So, as things stand, it is unclear what the future holds for Mendy. But he is seen as the only first-team player that could be sold before the transfer window closes this summer.
*Player market value from Transfermarkt
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.
Promethios
July 18, 2023 at 8:16 am
I see him better as a center back than a right back