Real Madrid News
Transfers: Jude Bellingham’s willingness key to push Real Madrid move through
Amidst all the uncertainty in Real Madrid’a transfer plans at the moment, the one confirmed move appears to be that of Jude Bellingham.
Los Blancos are being forced to alter their strategy for the summer after Karim Benzema’s shocking development of leaving the club, but this will likely not hinder the English midfielder’s arrival in any way.
As things stand, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are said to have reached an agreement over the youngster’s transfer.
Moreover, the 19-year-old and his mother almost confirmed the news of his departure from the German club with gestures of gratitude towards Dortmund after last week’s Bundesliga curtain-closer.
According to reports from Jonas Perez (h/t Madrid Xtra), the teenager’s will was the key that pioneered his move to Madrid. He even directly admitted to his entourage that he did not want to miss the rare chance to sign for the Galacticos.
“Perhaps the Real Madrid train will only come once, I want to take it,” he told his environment, as highlighted in the same report.
The midfielder’s preference has been known internally for a long time, even by other European clubs scouting him. In fact, it was for the same reason that Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign the English star.
Bellingham had economically superior offers at his doorstep from Manchester City, and to turn down the chance to return to England on a high pay scale must have tempted the protege. In the end, however, he prioritized the sporting project of Real Madrid.
In 31 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund this season, the starlet scored eight goals and provided four assists. Further, he provided 1.1 key passes per game and created eight big chances in the German league.
Bellingham can debut for Real Madrid as early as July in the preseason. First and foremost, however, the world waits in anticipation for the official announcement of his transfer.
Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid manager defends Vinicius following red card vs Villarreal: ‘I don’t see intentionality’
Real Madrid resumed their campaign with a narrow win over Villarreal and three points, but it was yet another controversial affair due to refereeing decisions.
Vinicius Jr thought he had doubled Madrid’s lead against Villarreal, only for the goal to be chalked off and the Brazilian to be sent off in the same breath.
A VAR review showed Vinicius had tugged the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba in the build-up, prompting referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to void the goal and brandish a straight red.
The decision has split opinion, and one Madrid great has come out firmly in the forward’s corner.
Jorge Valdano on Vinicius’ red
Former real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano, speaking to Movistar, saw little malice in the incident.
“It’s an absolutely instinctive gesture. He feels they’re closing him in, he wants to get rid of it, and he does it in the most illegal way he can find,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Drawing a distinction with more serious offences, he added: “It would make the difference between what is a spit, for example, and what this is.”
The former World Cup winner was unequivocal in his assessment of the act itself. “I don’t see any intentionality, the dirtyness of the action,” he concluded.
Ominous time for Vinicius
Valdano’s sympathy will do little to console Vinicius Jr., who might be staring at a lengthy suspension after the red card incident.
The Brazilian is already at risk of missing the Clasico on October 25, with the final disciplinary ruling still to come.
The referee’s report logs two separate matters. The first is the hair pull itself; the second is his reaction, described as continued loud protests and an aggressive approach to the official that forced Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and others to restrain him.
Depending on how that conduct is classified, the suspension could stretch to two, three or four games. The one reprieve is that the red card is domestic, leaving Vinicius free for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Roma.
