Real Madrid News
Saudi Arabia ‘in love’ with Real Madrid defensive leader – Romano
With Real Madrid swiftly moving towards a new era in central defence, the club look set to part ways with their veteran core. After all, the department is laden with players over the age of 30 who played a crucial role in recent years.
David Alaba is reportedly set to leave the club next summer, especially given that the club do not see it to be feasible to continue offering him high wages given his limited participation and unpredictable fitness.
Antonio Rudiger, however, also has his future under a cloud of doubt after the arrival of Dean Huijsen and the return of Eder Militao from injury. After all, the club are looking to sign a new defender next summer as well.
Destination Arabia?
As relayed in a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian clubs are in love with the Real Madrid veteran and see him to be the ideal target to bring to their league in the coming years.
Clubs from the Saudi Arabian league have been monitoring the player for the past 2-3 years as a potential target but the player was focused on Real Madrid solely and thus never visualised a move away from the club.
With his future now in doubt, talks between Rudiger and Saudi Arabia could begin in the coming months and it remains to be seen if any agreement can be reached over a move next summer, when his contract expires.
A large part of the player’s decision will undoubtedly depend on the trust bestowed on him by Xabi Alonso and the prominence he enjoys in the coming months.
Given his leadership, he will likely continue to be a regular member of the dynamics once he recovers from his latest setback.
So far this season, the German star has made one start for Real Madrid and played ninety minutes against Real Oviedo putting in a solid display.
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.
