Real Madrid News
The role Xabi Alonso has in mind for Real Madrid midfielder following return from injury
After being out of action since April, Eduardo Camavinga finally made his debut under Xabi Alonso earlier this month, coming on as a late substitute against RCD Espanyol.
The 22-year-old Frenchman featured again earlier this week against UD Levante, as the manager began to slowly reintegrate the player after back-to-back injuries kept him out of action.
There is no shortage of midfielders at Alonso’s disposal now that both Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are back playing and Dani Ceballos is showing signs of form.
With Arda Guler, Federico Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni already impressing as the first-choice trio in the early parts of the season, the Real Madrid boss has a puzzle at his hands moving forward.
Where does Xabi Alonso see Camavinga playing?
Camavinga, during his time at the club, has played as a pivot, an interior midfielder, and even a makeshift left-back.
Now, according to AS, Xabi Alonso sees in the French midfielder an option to add more dynamism and the ability to break down closed defences.
The manager believes that Camavinga offers a profile of dynamic and skilful midfielder that Real Madrid had been lacking in matches where opponents defend deep.
“You have already seen it. He made a run that broke through lines. He is very dynamic,” the manager said after his appearance against Levante.
Judging by this, it seems clear that Alonso sees Camavinga primarily in a dynamic role in midfield, charged with trying to break down defences with passes or line-breaking runs, although he can also perform from a more defensive position.
So far, Camavinga has only played nine minutes across two games, but it is natural for Alonso and Real Madrid to err on the side of caution with him, given his injury record.
But, if he manages to stay fit, the 22-year-old could grow into an important player in the manager’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify 21-year-old French star as potential Thibaut Courtois successor – report
Real Madrid have reportedly identified Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes as a potential long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois, despite moving closer to securing the Belgian’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Spanish giants have begun exploring goalkeeping options in the transfer market, with the 21-year-old Frenchman among the names on their shortlist.
Real Madrid could consider a move for Restes as early as next summer, with his market value estimated at around €19 million.
The interest comes as Real Madrid work towards extending Courtois’ contract.
As reported before, the Belgian goalkeeper’s current deal expires in 2027, but the club has reached a verbal agreement with him over an extension that would keep him at the Bernabeu for the 2027/28 season.
Why Real Madrid are monitoring Guillaume Restes
Restes has emerged as a potential option for Real Madrid as they assess their long-term goalkeeping plans.
The Frenchman has featured in every match for Toulouse this season and is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in French football.
At 21, he represents a younger alternative for a club looking to plan beyond its established first-choice goalkeeper.
Furthermore, his reported €19 million valuation could also make him a relatively affordable option compared with the cost of signing an established goalkeeper.
However, the interest does not mean Real Madrid have decided to replace Courtois.
Rather, Restes is currently understood to be one of several options being considered as the club evaluates its future requirements.
Courtois closes in on Real Madrid contract extension
Courtois remains central to Real Madrid’s immediate plans, with the club reportedly reaching an agreement in principle with the Belgian over a contract extension.
Both parties have reached a verbal agreement, and the new deal is expected to be signed soon.
The extension would take Courtois beyond his current contract, which expires in 2027, and keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2027/28 campaign.
