Real Madrid News
Running on empty – Real Madrid among most overworked teams heading into Club World Cup
The season has been long and tiring for Real Madrid so far and things aren’t expected to get any better as they arrive in Miami today to prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The first edition of the reformatted FIFA Club World Cup is going to be historic and exciting but equally tiring, with no less than 32 teams competing for the prize.
Real Madrid have had no rest
Things will get particularly difficult for Real Madrid, who have no breather over the year or so, reports Mundo Deportivo.
While La Liga ended last month, several players were on national team duty for the FIFA international break and Nations League Final Four, and now, they jump straight into another competition.
As per the report, Madrid rank third among all Club World Cup participants in terms of average minutes played per player since August 1, a staggering 3150 minutes.
Only Manchester City (3183) and Palmeiras (3156) have played more football since August last year.
Federico Valverde has been leading the charge when it comes to most minutes played for Los Blancos.
The Uruguayan has racked up a whopping 6,102 minutes across 66 matches, more than any of the 994 players set to take part in the U.S.-based tournament. Even without counting added time, Valverde still tops the list with 5,600 minutes.
The midfielder is set to accumulate more minutes as Real Madrid look to not only participate the Club World Cup but dominate the competition.
Fortunately, new coach Xabi Alonso will be blessed with the availability of two of Real Madrid’s three new signings in Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Spanish giants will kick off the tournament against Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 18, before facing Pachuca in Charlotte and closing the group stage against Salzburg in Philadelphia.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
