Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr’s continuity at Real Madrid not guaranteed after recent events – report
A few weeks ago, it seemed impossible to imagine Vinicius Jr representing a crest other than that of Real Madrid. The youngster was after all the team’s most important player and is seen as their bannerman for at least a decade.
His situation, however, has taken a steep turn in recent days. The events at Mestalla on Sunday night have hurt the Brazilian deeply and his outrage at the Spanish League for taking no measures is warranted. That, in theory, poses a direct threat to his future at Real Madrid.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, a source close to Vinicius has said that though there was no chance of him leaving the club until recently, the possibility has now opened up.
His decision is directly linked with Real Madrid’s stance on his situation and he expects prompt action in his favour as opposed to mere good intentions. If the winger feels he is fighting alone, he will consider a departure from the club as a real option.
Given the half-chance that Vinicius might leave, some of Europe’s elite have already appeared at his doorstep with lucrative proposals. The biggest such name is that of Paris Saint-Germain who are attentive to his situation.
Real Madrid have put their foot on the accelerator with respect to the youngster’s situation and even raised a complaint with the Attorney General’s office and specifically the Prosecutor’s Office over the racial slur targeted at their star player.
It appears that the Brazilian will stay at Real Madrid for next season but repeated instances of such abuse could cut short his stay in Madrid in the long run. After all, Javier Tebas’ reaction to the entire situation was far from reassuring as he came out on his Twitter to say,
“Before criticizing and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vinicius. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
Fabrizio Romano, though, has assured that Vinicius wants to stay at Real Madrid and fight against racism. But as per Cortegana if he does not feel the required support from the club, the possibility of an exit is not ruled out.
Bernardo Silva was one of Real Madrid’s headline signings last summer. The Portuguese midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City and appeared destined to become the creative successor to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the middle of the park.
Indeed, with the club having not signed a new central midfielder, many within Real Madrid saw the veteran star as a solution to the issue.
Manager Jose Mourinho made him a starter from the very beginning in pre-season, but not in his usual role on the right. Instead, he deployed his compatriot as a deep-lying playmaker in the midfield double pivot.
A change in circumstances
Silva failed to have the expected influence when operating in a deeper role in midfield in the chances he got.
Combined with the emergence of Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return to fitness, the Portuguese international has now lost his place in the starting line-up and dropped to the bench.
Bernardo’s situation became particularly striking against Villarreal this past Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, when he did not play a single minute.
Limited opportunities under Mourinho
Bernardo has played six matches for Real Madrid, starting three and coming on as a substitute in another three.
He did not feature against Villarreal or Elche, while his only appearance in the last three matches was a little over 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid. He was not used regularly by the Portugal national team during the international break either.
Across Real Madrid’s eight La Liga fixtures, Silva has accumulated just 282 minutes of playing time.
The Champions League now presents another opportunity for the former Manchester City captain, who has yet to make his European debut for Real Madrid this season.
He missed the match against Inter Milan because he was still serving a suspension carried over from his time at the Etihad Stadium last season.
It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will give him an opportunity against AS Roma in the coming week.
For now, the midfielder’s reduced playing time suggests that the Portuguese coach has lost some of his faith in a player who arrived with high expectations after leaving Manchester City.
