Real Madrid News
Thomas Tuchel speaks on Real Madrid defender’s exclusion from national team: ‘He just had to accept it’
Despite being back in Alvaro Arbeloa’s dynamics for well over a month now, Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from England’s squad for the final international break before the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham has been called up just days after making his return from injury, painting a worrying picture for the Real Madrid full-back and his relationship with Thomas Tuchel.
It is not ruled out that the player returns to the fold for the World Cup, but being left out just before the tournament is indeed a harsh blow.
Tuchel justifies his decision
England national team manager Thomas Tuchel spoke to the media recently ahead of his team’s game against Uruguay and was unsurprisingly reminded of his decision to omit the Real Madrid star from his plans.
Commenting on his decision to leave the full-back out of his plans, Tuchel explained that it was a difficult but important choice.
“I know that it creates noise when you leave a player like Trent out,” he began.
“We had a call. I tried to explain the situation, but he just had to accept it,” he added brutally.
Explaining why he opted for other profiles over that of the Real Madrid star, Tuchel said,
“It’s a sportive choice and a difficult choice and maybe a hard choice. Maybe it’s unfair to a certain degree, but these choices have to be made.
“The choice was for Ben White because I saw him play here in the Cup final against Man City.
“He played the Champions League match before and was straight away back to his old self,” he added.
Finally, he hinted that the squad call-up was more experimental to see how White adapts, especially given that Tuchel already knows what Trent can offer him.
“It was a chance for me to meet him in person, see how he interacts with the group.
“I think I know what Trent gives us, so the choice was for Ben and for Tino Livramento on the right side.”
Source: (h/t Madrid Xtra)
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
