Real Madrid News
Vinicius reflects on Real Madrid’s season: “Would trade my goals for another UCL final”
Vinicius Junior was recently included in La Liga’s Team of the Season, along with four other Real Madrid players.
But the Brazilian international has admitted that he would have traded all his goals and assists for the season just so that he could succeed in the UEFA Champions League.
“I would trade all my goals & assists to be in another UCL final,” Vinicius said in a recent interview with ESPN (h/t Madrid Xtra).
The attacker’s comments come just a few days after Real Madrid’s humiliating defeat to Manchester City in the semifinal of the Champions League. The 5-1 aggregate defeat to the English champions poured water over Vinicius’ dream of retaining the UCL title.
“Everything I did this year just to not win the UCL & La Liga is a little frustrating for me,” said Vinicius, after Real Madrid also finished behind Barcelona in the race for the league title.
Vinicius has indeed been involved in 44 goals in all competitions this term – making him one of the most productive players in Europe. Unfortunately, his contributions did not translate into success for Real Madrid, who were a distant second in La Liga.
The Spanish giants were doing well in the Champions League, but a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City shattered their dreams. Vinicius himself was not up to the mark in the second half, notably getting outclassed by Kyle Walker, who was quite vocal after the win.
The Brazilian, though, is not ready to give up and has assured he will keep improving, in order to benefit the team. “I want to keep evolving and improving my numbers but always for the benefit of the team,” he said.
With just a few weeks remaining until the end of the season, Vinicius will indeed look to perform well in these final few matches and end the season on a positive note.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
