Real Madrid News
Report: Real Madrid have discarded the signing of €120 million Bundesliga forward
Kylian Mbappe’s decision to snub Real Madrid did not go down well with the club’s administration. The instant reaction from Los Blancos was to look for an immediate replacement as the marquee signing.
According to reports from Tomas Gonzalez (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid were interested in signing Christopher Nkunku in the summer.
The Bundesliga side are said to have demanded a fee of €120 million for their French star. The 24-year-old forward had a spectacular season in 2021-22, which has got several sides interested in his services.
However, the operation was aborted because of the high asking price of RB Leipzig.
Last season, Nkunku made 31 league starts in Germany, scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists. More recently, he has also provided two assists in four games for the French international team in the Nations League.
Recently, RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff spoke about the forward’s future and insisted that the club did not contemplate selling him.
“I have said it before, and I will say it again here: Nkunku will be our player again next season. Our goal is to keep the team together for next season.”
With the asking price set so high, it remains to be seen if any club pursues his signature in the current transfer window. As for Real Madrid, the club will not look to splash money on any player after shelling out in excess of €100 million for Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman is expected to sign a contract extension with RB Leipzig in the coming days. His new contract is reported to include a €60 million release clause, putting interested clubs like PSG, Liverpool and Manchester United on high alert.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
