Tijani Reijnders is an excellent midfielder; he’s one of Milan’s best players. Who’d he replace though?
I think TAA, Huijsen, LB and Paz (if Modric leaves). Not expecting more signings than that especially with only Vallejo, LV certain to leave. Probably Fran as well. Don't see the point of spending 45 ME on Mastantuono who won't be ready to contribute right away while we have AMs like Jude, Guler and Paz potentially coming back.
I think there's a good chance Ceballos leaves as well... would open up another midfield spot. I won't be surprised if the club finds a way to get rid of Alaba as well. But yes...Mastantuono is one for the future if we get all the urgent needs covered.
@Shay Z sorry to disappoint brother, but my Portuguese Liga watching has been low this season. Dropped the Fanatiz subscription and caught a few shady streams here and there. Mostly I’ve followed Sporting through message boards and highlights. Sad but true.
Mastantuono is better and he will be more patient not having too many minutes than Nico being behind Arda Guler and Brahim in the hieararchy. Rodrygo might leave too.
CONFIRMED: Real Madrid will pay €58M in total to sign Dean Huijsen. • Bournemouth will get the money in 3 installments • €5.8M will go to Juventus • €1.8M will go to Malaga @MarcA 🚨 CONFIRMED: Real Madrid will pay €58M in total to sign Dean Huijsen. • Bournemouth will get the money in 3 installments • €5.8M will go to Juventus • €1.8M will go to Malaga @marca pic.twitter.com/br8g0twXDu— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 14, 2025
I expect them to grab a LB and close up shop. Xabi will have sort out the squad and tactics with the existing squad. I also do not expect Nico back this year. Another year under Cesc at Como is probably the best option. Nico is not coming back to be the 6th option in a World Cup year. Assuming there are enough defenders, and you do not have to pull Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouameni out of position... there will not be as many minutes in midfield. I also expect to see Guler with more minutes as a midfielder. Xabi can sort out the midfield this upcoming year and then they can bring back Nico the following year into a more stable and set system. Keep Modric around as the the emergency 6th or 7th midfielder, and then Nico takes his spot in a year.
I’d be fine with pushing Ceballos out to be honest. He’s superfluous and we’d be better off refreshing the depth with a young player who is good with sitting deep in the depth chart.
Good piece of business. OT, how is Carvajal's recovery? Heard he is training with the team and is able to do so with the ball.
🚨 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso is already gathering INFORMATION about Castilla players!He has asked about them. @JLSanchez78 pic.twitter.com/W0MHwpfGwl— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 14, 2025 🚨 JUST IN: Xabi Alonso has asked for information regarding Real Madrid academy players not only for next season, but also for the CLUB WORLD CUP. @JLSanchez78 pic.twitter.com/6E0iI1f7tk— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 14, 2025 🚨 JUST IN: Dean Huijsen WILL BE THERE for the Club World Cup! @marca pic.twitter.com/AumLNPRmsI— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 14, 2025
One of the reasons I have wanted Dani to play this season is because he has a completely different profile than the rest of our current midfield. If we successfully got a player who had a similar set of skills but was less injury prone, better decision making and more ambitious in the final third we should move on.
🚨 CONFIRMED: Real Madrid have WON the race for Dean Huijsen.They have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. @TeleFootball ✅ pic.twitter.com/e9cjL3kuZF— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 14, 2025 CONFIRMED: Real Madrid have WON the race for Dean Huijsen. They have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. @TeleFootball
Dean Huijsen about how he prefers his name to be pronounced pic.twitter.com/nlEGs37BT8— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) May 14, 2025 Yes sir. His pronunciation
For the CWC, each team can register 35 players, and for each game you are allowed to have 26 players available (11 starters + 15 substitutes). This is basically Xabi's preseason to evaluate the roster and youth players in one shot. He can take the current 23 1st teams players (Huijen+New LB in -> Vallejo+Lucas out), and a dozen youth players. I am very glad he took over the job immediately, and didn't offload the CWC to someone else.
Wow. Simply amazing. He hasn't even signed a contract yet and has already proven himself far superior than Ancelotti at identifying youth team talent. I mean he "asked" about some of them , he's basically the new Arsene Wenger - what with his distinct attacking playing style and all. I just hope the fans find top four finishes as an acceptable trade off.
Sad to see Rodrygo leave. He hasn't been good but certainly not as bad as vini. Had by far the better chemistry with Mbappe when vini was out. Would hate for arsenal or liverpool to get him and actually get the best of him in his preferred position.