Real Madrid News
What really stopped Real Madrid from signing three defensive targets – report
Real Madrid have been eyeing a new defensive signing for a long time now, and events that have transpired in recent months have only further fuelled that desire.
Dean Huijsen’s relative fall-off in form, Antonio Rudiger’s uncertain future, Eder Militao’s injuries and David Alaba’s persistent fitness struggles leave Los Blancos with a dysfunctional defence – one that has been the root of so many of their problems this season.
The plan, thus, was to wait for the summer transfer window and sign an elite centre-back to serve as a starter.
In fact, Los Blancos had already identified several players who will be free agents in the summer to target and pursue.
The current situation
As explained by Mario Cortegana in a recent report, Real Madrid’s plan of luring a top defender on a free transfer does not seem to be close to working out, despite how promising it sounded on paper.
Ibrahima Konate, one of the team’s top targets, has seemingly been ruled out of Real Madrid’s plans given his poor form with Liverpool this season – something the offices in Madrid understandably consider to be a deal breaker.
Dayot Upamecano, the team’s next best option, seemed to be a great target for Los Blancos, but the reason for them ruling him out as well is the excessive financial demands of the player.
Moreover, he is in talks with Bayern to possibly extend his contract, something that will automatically rule out a transfer.
What about Guehi?
The third free-agent Real Madrid had on their radar was Marc Guehi. As it stands, however, they have not made any direct effort to seriously get in touch with his entourage.
The fact that Real Madrid reached out to the environment of the aforementioned two players but not Guehi suggests that he too is likely off the table.
The Merengues, thus, appear to be back to square one and may well have to find a target whose contract situation is not as favourable.
Given the defensive situation, however, a new recruit is needed even if it takes up a significant part of the team’s transfer budget.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
