Real Madrid News
Report – 21-year-old gem admired by Modric rejects Real Madrid’s five-year contract offer
Back in September, reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid had taken an interest in 21-year-old Croatian talent Martin Baturina, at the recommendation of club captain and legend Luka Modric.
Baturina currently plies his trade at Modric’s boyhood club Dinamo Zagreb and is seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Croatia.
Despite his age, the attacking midfielder has already racked up more than 130 appearances for the club, registering 52 goal contributions (18G, 34A) and has seven caps for the Croatian national team.
Modric, having seem him with Croatia, is said to have become an admirer and recommended him to Real Madrid.
Baturina turns down Real Madrid
With Toni Kroos gone and Modric expected to move on in a short time, Real Madrid are looking to add new blood to their midfield department and as such, Baturina has emerged as an option – given his playmaking abilities and immense potential.
However, according to a fresh update from Sky Sport Germany, Real Madrid have faced a setback in their efforts to sign Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb.
As per the report, Los Blancos proposed a five-year contract offer for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, with the idea being to sign him and loan him out to a La Liga club for his development.
However, Baturina has rejected the offer from the reigning champions of Spain and Europe and instead has his sights set on a move to the German Bundesliga.
The 21-year-old, who is contracted with Dinamo Zagreb until June 2028, seemingly has his sights set on a transfer to Germany – whether it will be in January or the summer is unclear.
But for now, Baturina has turned down a five-year contract proposal from Real Madrid. Whether the Spanish giants return with an improved offer remains to be seen.
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.
