Real Madrid News
Saudi Arabia not ready to give up on Real Madrid superstar
Vinicius Jr. has had a very a curious campaign at Real Madrid this season.
Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in the summer, the Brazilian’s importance at Real Madrid has never been higher.
At the same time, though, the forward has continued to face racial abuse from opposition fans across Spain while the Ballon d’Or snub has taken a heavy toll on the attacker’s mental space.
While Vinicius remains determined as ever, the recent setbacks have prompted the rumour mill to spin stories about his long-term future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Saudi Arabia does not give up on Vinicius
A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered a fresh take on Vinicius Junior’s future, particularly adding info on Saudi Arabia’s interest in the player.
The Middle East nation had approached the Real Madrid star in the summer with a bumper offer that raised many eyebrows.
But while Vinicius opted to refuse the move, the sheer amount of the salary offered by Saudi Arabia did play a role in hampering his focus. At least this is what many in the Real Madrid camp believed at the time.
But as per the report, Saudi Arabia remain as determined as ever and are not giving up hope on signing Vinicius.
The Brazilian international is undisputedly Saudi Arabia’s top transfer target and will keep pushing as long as the player does not publicly express his desire to stay at Real Madrid and not listen to any other offers.
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.
