news-engine

Real Madrid News Real Madrid not planning new signings unless a surprise exit occurs The second half of the summer transfer window has been rather silent for Real Madrid who finished most of their business in the first half of the market. Having already secured most of their top targets, Los Blancos have shifted to a lower gear and are observing for any unexpected movements. Jose Mourinho has already declared that he is satisfied with the squad at his disposal, but it is clear that he wishes for a new central midfielder and a new defender. The club, on that front, do have options that they are regularly following. Transfer activity is possible As reiterated by Jose Felix Diaz once again earlier today, Real Madrid are not actively planning for any new signing as matters stand. After all, there is no space on the roster currently unless a player leaves. On that front, the club are fully prepared to go all-out and secure a new signing in case there is any unexpected departure in the closing days of the window. Real Madrid already have players on their shortlist and are likely to have even held initial talks with the potential targets. Should any sale be completed, the arrival operations will be activated instantly. The midfield is the priority It is no secret that Real Madrid were keen on signing Rodri this summer, especially after the World Cup campaign he enjoyed with Spain. The player, however, opted to sign for Barcelona and Los Blancos have been portraying a strong image ever since. Mourinho and Co. have repeatedly reaffirmed that they do not see a new midfield arrival as a must at this point in time and that the current squad options are sufficient for the season ahead. The first game, however, ripped off the band-aid and exposed the lacunae in Real Madrid’s midfield, especially in terms of game control and creativity. Barring Arda Guler, who added some creative spark to the team, there was no player who could control the game or break defences with his passes. In that sense, a new arrival in midfield would really help the club and Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a strong candidate in recent days. Real Madrid News Jose Mourinho keeping close eye on Real Madrid academy – report There is a lot of expectation riding on what Jose Mourinho can do in his second stint as manager at Real Madrid. The Portuguese tactician has been heavily backed in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid bringing in as many as six players to bolster the squad. Mourinho has managed to get the troops to rally around him and enjoyed a winning start to La Liga, with a 2-1 win against Espanyol. However, it looks like Jose is keeping a keen eye on more than just the first team. According to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho is paying close attention to Real Madrid’s academy as he continues to assess the options available to him beyond the senior squad. Mourinho monitoring academy matches Mourinho regularly watches matches involving different Real Madrid youth teams, suggesting the academy could have a genuine role within his plans. There is even a possibility that Mourinho could attend one of the academy’s matches at Valdebebas in person. It is an interesting detail because Mourinho has inherited a Madrid squad packed with established internationals and strengthened by several significant signings this summer. However, that apparently has not stopped him from looking further down the club’s structure for players capable of helping his team. Opportunities could emerge Mourinho’s interest does not guarantee that academy players will suddenly receive major first-team minutes. Competition within the senior squad remains extremely strong. However, being watched closely by the first-team coach is already important for Madrid’s youngsters. Strong performances could potentially earn players opportunities in training, particularly during periods when injuries or a congested schedule reduce Mourinho’s options. Players like Alexis Ciria have already made such an impression during pre-season and could be one of the names to keep an eye on. The Portuguese coach has also never been afraid to reward a player when he believes that player can fulfil a specific tactical role. La Fabrica’s value That could make La Fabrica particularly valuable over a long season. Madrid do not necessarily need every academy prospect to become an immediate starter. Finding one or two players capable of providing reliable depth would already represent a significant success. The club have invested heavily in their squad, but the pathway from Valdebebas should remain open. Academy players can provide solutions that are difficult and expensive to find in the transfer market. It remains to be seen just how much the academy is involved in Mourinho’s plans as he begins his new project at Madrid.