Real Madrid News
Report: Premier League champion’s agents tried to force a move to Real Madrid last season
As Real Madrid prepare to take on Liverpool in their third UEFA Champions League group stage encounter, an intriguing revelation from AS has resurfaced, shedding light on a chapter that could have dramatically altered the career of Virgil van Dijk.
According to the report, there was a moment not long ago when Van Dijk’s representatives reached out to Real Madrid in an attempt to explore a possible move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite the Dutchman’s world-class reputation, that door “had always remained closed.”
What’s the story?
The story reveals that during a tense period last season, the Liverpool captain pushed negotiations to the limit before agreeing to his contract renewal.
Van Dijk reportedly waited until the very last moment before accepting Liverpool’s extension offer until 2027.
Throughout that period, Van Dijk’s camp is said to have contacted intermediaries in Spain in a final effort to open talks with Real Madrid.
The centre-back was eager to explore the opportunity of playing for Real Madrid, but the Los Blancos remained unmoved.
Why did Real Madrid reject him?
One of the major reasons behind Real Madrid’s reluctance was the serious cruciate ligament injury Van Dijk suffered in 2020.
Although the Dutch defender has since fully recovered, Madrid’s technical staff reportedly viewed the risk as too high and opted to pursue other options.
Their decision was later reflected in the signing of Dean Huijsen, seen as part of the club’s next defensive generation.
Now 34, Van Dijk ultimately chose stability and loyalty, committing to Liverpool instead of embarking on a late-career move to Spain.
Despite his agents’ efforts, Real Madrid never seriously considered the transfer, closing the door once and for all on what could have been one of the most unexpected moves in recent memory.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
