Real Madrid News
Sources: Real Madrid prepare three-man shortlist to bolster key area of concern
It is no secret that Real Madrid want to reinforce their midfield for the 2025/26 season.
In fact, according to Fichajes, the club has drawn up a shortlist of three high-profile targets, namely, Nicolo Barella, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, seeing them as players capable of adding composure, creativity, and vision to the squad.
Since taking over, Alonso has made it clear to Real Madrid’s sporting directors that he needs a midfielder who can act as the brain of the team.
Someone who can control the tempo, dictate play, and bring balance to an already talented squad. For him, this type of player is crucial to completing his project at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid prepare for long-term midfield hunt
Initially, the club’s dream target was Rodri from Manchester City. However, that option is now completely off the table.
The Spanish midfielder is settled at City, and the Premier League champions have no interest in opening talks. With Rodri out of reach, Real Madrid have shifted their focus to Barella, Enzo, and Mac Allister.
These transfers won’t be easy as all three players are vital to their current clubs and have long-term contracts, meaning Madrid would have to consider transfer fees that could climb well into triple-digit millions.
Assessing the three
Among them, Barella might be the most realistic option in the short term. Inter Milan could be more open to discussions compared to Premier League clubs, where selling key players like Enzo or Mac Allister would require massive bids.
For now, Real Madrid are in no rush. The club is aware that the market could shift, making these moves more feasible.
In the meantime, Alonso will continue to work with the current core of midfielders, including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouaméni, while keeping an eye on future opportunities.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
