Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s move for 2023/24 UEFA Champions League finalist ‘not hot’ – report
Real Madrid’s hunt for a new centre-back took them to the Bundesliga as revealed earlier today.
With the club in dire need of a new defender, former Borussia Dortmund star and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League finalist Mats Hummels was named as a possible target for Los Blancos to strengthen the position.
After all, the veteran offered the right balance of experience and minimal expectations and at 35 years of age, would serve as a good short-term fix.
Not ‘hot’
Now, according to reports from Sky Sports, however, links between Real Madrid and Hummels are ‘not hot.’
The veteran has indeed considered the reported interest from Spain but wants to take the necessary time before deciding on his next destination.
Hummels is open to a move out of Germany but first wishes to weigh out the pros and cons.
As it stands, Bologna remain the favourites to land the player this summer and have even submitted a formal proposal. A decision can be expected in the coming days.
The other backup options
Real Madrid took the signing of Leny Yoro this summer for granted as the youngster initially insisted that he would hold out for a move to the Spanish capital.
His surprise move to Manchester United, thus, leaves Los Blancos in a desperate search for backups.
After all, David Alaba will not be fit for the beginning of the new season and the club have let go of both Rafa Marin and Nacho Fernandez and have only two fit players in the department.
As revealed earlier this week, the men in white have their eyes on Serie A as a potential source for defensive recruitments. It remains to be seen if they find their desired target in the Italian league.
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.
