Real Madrid News
Why Real Madrid midfielder’s exemption from national team is a blessing in disguise
Real Madrid received some welcome news ahead of the upcoming international break, as several of their star players, namely, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde, were not called up by their national teams.
Among them, Valverde’s absence is particularly significant for the club, given the heavy workload he has carried over the past seasons.
The Uruguayan midfielder has been virtually ever-present for both club and country.
In fact, as reported by SPORT, over the last three seasons, he has played 174 out of 184 matches for Real Madrid, missing only ten – three due to injury and seven due to tactical resting.
On top of that, he has appeared in 23 of 21 possible games for Uruguay during the same period, bringing his total to 197 games out of 209. This relentless schedule has placed a tremendous physical strain on him.
Valverde needs rest to regain top form
Valverde’s game is built on physicality and endurance. His ability to cover large areas of the pitch makes him a versatile presence, capable of contributing in multiple lines.
However, the accumulation of matches has started to take its toll, and his performance at the start of this season has reflected the fatigue from constant activity.
Adding to the pressure, Valverde recently made statements about not being born to play as a full-back, which coincided with injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal.
This was misinterpreted by some as resistance to playing out of position, though he has previously shown he can perform effectively in defensive roles.
With this international break, Real Madrid now have the opportunity to give Valverde much-needed rest, allowing him to recover, rebuild strength, and reset mentally and physically.
Considering his history of heavy game time and near-constant minutes, this pause is vital to protect his performance levels and long-term durability.
Real Madrid News
Racing Santander chief confirms Real Madrid interest in star midfielder – “He will not leave”
Racing Santander may have only just got promoted to La Liga, but they have a talented squad with some of Spain’s best youngsters at their disposal.
The likes of Sergio Martinez and Jorge Salinas are both considered big talents, and both are understandably receiving interest from Spain’s elite.
Real Madrid have been trying to sign the former for quite some time now, monitoring his progress since January.
Los Blancos are pushing strongly to sign Sergio this summer, but it was revealed that the player has not yet made a decision.
Martinez still considering his future
Now, Racing sporting director Chema Aragon has confirmed Madrid’s determination to land the 19-year-old but did not rule out the player staying at Racing as an option.
As quoted by RM4Arab, Aragon confirmed that the teenager was evaluating all the options at his disposal.
“Sergio Martinez is evaluating his options. There is Real Madrid, and there is also the Racing Santander option for him,” Aragon said.
Those comments underline that Madrid have not yet secured the youngster despite their significant interest.
Should he choose Madrid, the plan would be for the midfielder to initially join Castilla while remaining close enough to the senior set-up to potentially train under Jose Mourinho.
Racing believe starting role could convince him
Racing, however, can offer something Madrid cannot guarantee immediately: regular first-team football.
“If we offer him a starting position, he will not leave,” Aragon claimed.
That could become the decisive factor for Martinez.
Dropping from La Liga football with Racing into the lower divisions with Castilla would be a significant sporting decision, even with the possibility of eventually breaking into Madrid’s first team.
At 19, guaranteed senior minutes could be enormously valuable for his development.
Real Madrid have gone all out
Aragon made no attempt to hide the seriousness of Madrid’s interest.
“Real Madrid have gone all out to sign him, and he is now evaluating all the options,” Aragon added.
Racing coming out and publicly admitting the extent of Madrid’s interest in the teenager could be their way of making a statement.
It is highly unlikely that their sporting director would come out and be so open about transfer negotiations unless they are confident of him staying at the club this summer.
For Madrid, his profile is particularly attractive because Mourinho’s squad could still use another type of midfielder.
The 19-year-old would arrive as a long-term investment with immense potential who can contribute to the first team.
The decision now firmly belongs to the player. Madrid can offer prestige, the chance of playing for the biggest team in the world and a chance to work with superstars.
Racing can offer something more immediate: continuity, familiarity, La Liga football and potentially a starting role.
Martinez needs to decide which pathway he wants for his career, and it remains to be seen whether he chooses Madrid.
