Tag: Madrid

  • Vinicius, Rodrygo help Madrid dismantle Valencia

    Vinicius, Rodrygo help Madrid dismantle Valencia

    Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes struck twice each as Real Madrid thrashed Valencia 5-1 to stay hot on the heels of shock La Liga leader Girona.

    Dani Carvajal opened the scoring for Los Blancos before the Brazilian duo took the reins as they romped to victory, to stay two points behind Girona after they won at Rayo Vallecano.

    Madrid were without key player Jude Bellingham, who was watching on from a box at the Santiago Bernabeu alongside his mother after he suffered a shoulder injury last weekend from which he has not fully recovered.

    Vinicius, who toyed with Valencia’s defence, was facing them for the first time since he was racially abused in the east coast club’s stadium in May, sparking worldwide outrage.

    Real Madrid huffed and puffed without being able to blow neighbours Rayo’s house down in a frustrating goalless draw last weekend, and Bellingham’s absence increased worries about their attacking prowess.

    The England international is the division’s top scorer with 10 goals and has been Madrid’s most decisive star this season to date.

    However, Carvajal quickly blew any doubts out of the water with a superb left-foot strike from outside the area in the third minute.

    The Spain full-back controlled Toni Kroos’ long ball and walloped a strike in at the near post.

    David Alaba sent a free-kick narrowly over, and Kroos struck the crossbar with another as Madrid looked to press home their advantage, with Valencia shaking.

    Andriy Lunin, starting in goal again for Madrid after Kepa Arrizabalaga joined Thibaut Courtois on the sidelines, further built on his excellent Champions League display against Braga.

    The Ukrainian stopper denied Valencia forward Hugo Duro brilliantly with his leg after a clever turn in the box, and then saved from the striker again as he bore down on goal.

    Duro fired the second chance straight at Lunin, and soon came to rue his profligacy.

    – Brazilian braces –

    Vinicius extended Real Madrid’s lead with a unique strike, diving to chest the ball home after Rodrygo fizzed a low cross into the box for him.

    The Brazilian celebrated by pointing to the Madrid badge, as if to observe that he had managed to score with the club crest.

    Vinicius’ night improved further still early in the second half when he drove forward and picked his spot from outside the box, beating Giorgi Mamardashvili at the near post.

    Valencia’s Georgian goalkeeper erred badly almost immediately after to hand Madrid their fourth on a plate, passing the ball straight to Rodrygo.

    The Brazilian stroked the ball into the bottom corner to keep expanding his team’s advantage and repaying Carlo Ancelotti for his faith.

    Rodrygo hailed the Italian coach in midweek after scoring against Braga because of his support despite poor form in front of goal, and both he and Vinicius stepped up again in Bellingham’s absence.

    Madrid’s fifth arrived with a few minutes remaining when Rodrygo jinked into the area and finished well to round off Madrid’s win, although Duro was finally able to pull one back for Valencia at the third time of asking.

    AFP

  • Osimhen hopes to return for Madrid clash

    Osimhen hopes to return for Madrid clash

    Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, hopes to be fully fit for Napoli’s UEFA Champions League matchday five clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on November 29, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

    The 24-year-old has been sidelined since October 13 after being forced off in the 59th minute of Nigeria’s friendly with Saudi Arabia which ended 2-2 in Portugal.

    Osimhen was not called up by Nigeria for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

    He has missed Napoli’s last five consecutive games, leaving Rudi Garcia without his star striker who has scored six times in the 10 games he has played in so far this season before his injury.

    The 24-year-old Nigerian forward returned to Naples on Tuesday from Nigeria and has been carrying out individual training exercises at Castel Volturno as he works on his recovery, keen to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

    “The striker wants to be fit for Napoli’s clash with Atalanta on November 25, allowing him to use the international break to reach full fitness,” a report on Football Italia wrote.

    “The hope is to be ready for the Champions League game with Real Madrid at the end of the month.”

    The former Lille striker was in the stands at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to watch Napoli’s Champions League clash with Union Berlin which ended 1-1.

    A second half strike from David Fofana canceled out Matteo Politano’s 39th-minute opener. The result leaves Napoli five points adrift leaders Real Madrid.

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  • Real Madrid sign Jude Bellingham on long-term deal from Dortmund

    Real Madrid sign Jude Bellingham on long-term deal from Dortmund

    Real Madrid have officially completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contract.

    The Spanish club will pay an initial fee of 103 million euros (£88.5 million) for the 19-year-old, with potential add-ons that could take the total deal value to 133.9 million euros (£115 million). Bellingham, who began his career at Birmingham City, will be presented as a Real Madrid player at a ceremony on Thursday.

    In a statement, Bellingham expressed gratitude to everyone at Dortmund and the fans for their support during his three-year tenure. He acknowledged the honor of wearing the Dortmund jersey and wished the club all the best for the future.

    “Thank you to everyone at BVB [Dortmund] and to the fans for everything over the past three years,” Bellingham said.

    “It’s been an honour to wear your jersey so many times, in big and small moments.

    “Even though I look forward to my next destination, I will never forget the journey there. Once a Borusse, always a Borusse. All the best for the future.”

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    Bellingham’s exceptional performances, including being named the Bundesliga’s player of the season, contributed to Dortmund’s strong campaign as they narrowly missed out on the league title.

    With the initial fee, he becomes the second-most expensive English footballer, trailing only Jack Grealish, who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100 million in 2021. Bellingham’s transfer also makes him Real Madrid’s second-most expensive signing, behind Eden Hazard’s move from Chelsea in 2019.

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    During his time at Dortmund, Bellingham made history as the club’s youngest captain at the age of 19. In the 2022-23 season, he made 42 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists.

    Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed appreciation for Bellingham’s passion and the fruitful collaboration between the player and the club. He also extended gratitude to Real Madrid for their fair and constructive negotiations.

    “We thank Jude for three years of passion for Borussia Dortmund. It was a fantastic time together,” Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said.

    “We would also like to thank Real Madrid for the always fair and constructive discussions.”

    Bellingham’s transfer fee to Dortmund in 2020, which amounted to £25 million, made him the most expensive 17-year-old in football history. Despite some criticism, Birmingham retired his shirt number following the deal, despite Bellingham only having played one full season of professional football at the time.

    Although Bellingham has been included in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, he will not participate due to ongoing rehabilitation from an injury that kept him out of Dortmund’s final game of the season.

  • Madrid sign Bellingham from Dortmund

    Madrid sign Bellingham from Dortmund

    Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal on Wednesday, with the English international costing over 100 million euros ($108 million).

    German side Dortmund said an agreement for the 19-year-old had been reached last week with Madrid, worth 103 million euros plus up to 30 percent of that fee in bonuses.

    Bellingham’s arrival continues Real Madrid’s regeneration of their midfield, joining young French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, to help phase out veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

    “Our clubs signs one of the biggest talents in world football, a player who comes from Borussia Dortmund and arrives at Madrid after being chosen as the best player in the Bundesliga 2022-23 season,” Madrid said.

    “On top of that, he is only 19 and is already a starter for the England national team.”

    Bellingham shone for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions at the World Cup last year, with England knocked out in the quarter-finals by runners-up France.

    The midfielder, who turns 20 later in June, signed for Dortmund from Birmingham in 2020 for 25 million euros, playing 132 games for the club and lifting the German Cup in 2021.

    “Thank you to everyone at BVB and to the fans for everything over the past three years,” Bellingham told Dortmund’s club website.

    “It was an honour to wear your shirt so often, in big and small moments. Even though I’m looking forward to my next destination, I’ll never forget the journey there. Once a Borussian, always a Borussian.”

    AFP

    All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

    Contact: [email protected]

  • LALIGA: Highly-coveted Jude Bellingham opts for Real Madrid

    LALIGA: Highly-coveted Jude Bellingham opts for Real Madrid

    Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the acquisition of highly talented England midfielder Jude Bellingham, in a deal worth a staggering 103 million euros (£88.5 million).

    The 19-year-old, who made the switch from Birmingham City to Dortmund in July 2020, showcased his immense potential as one of England’s standout performers during the 2022 World Cup.

    Bellingham has communicated his desire for the move and is expected to undergo a medical examination in the coming days. The midfielder, who has attracted interest from several top European clubs, is set to sign a lucrative six-year contract with Real Madrid.

    Dortmund, in an official statement, confirmed that the Spanish club will pay an initial fee of 103 million euros, with additional potential add-ons included in the agreement. If all the performance-related criteria are met, the total value of the deal could reach an impressive 133.9 million euros (£115 million).

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    Both Manchester City and Liverpool were among the clubs vying for Bellingham’s signature, but it appears Real Madrid has secured the talented youngster, making him the world’s third-most expensive teenager. Additionally, Bellingham’s transfer will also make him the second-most expensive English footballer in history, trailing only Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019, which cost 115 million euros.

    Liverpool had withdrawn from the race to sign Bellingham back in April, citing the exorbitant costs associated with the deal. At the time, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp likened discussions about high-value transfers to a child’s desire for a Ferrari as a Christmas present.

    When Bellingham left Birmingham City for Dortmund, commanding a fee of £25 million, he became the most expensive 17-year-old in football history. Despite having only completed a single full season of professional football, some critics mocked Birmingham’s decision to retire the teenager’s shirt number. However, Bellingham quickly silenced the doubters with his remarkable performances at Dortmund, and in October of last year, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the club’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 19.

    Throughout this season, Bellingham has featured prominently for Dortmund, appearing in 42 matches, contributing 14 goals, and providing seven assists. His remarkable progress and potential have caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are now set to secure his services in a high-profile transfer deal.

  • Madrid eye Kane, Osimhen, Havertz as possible replacements for Benzema

    Madrid eye Kane, Osimhen, Havertz as possible replacements for Benzema

    Real Madrid has identified Harry Kane as their top choice for filling the void left by the departure of Karim Benzema.

    29-year-old Kane, with one year remaining on his Tottenham contract, is yet to make a decision about his future. The Spanish giants are admirers of the English striker and are hopeful that the departure of high-earning players, including Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and Mariano Diaz, will free up funds to facilitate the move.

    While Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic are also on Real Madrid’s target list, they are particularly keen on securing Kane’s services. However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is determined to keep Kane at the club and is reportedly seeking a transfer fee exceeding £100 million, a figure that Real Madrid may be hesitant to meet.

    Tottenham Brighton

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    Kane has been a prolific scorer for Tottenham, netting 280 goals in 435 appearances and nearing Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 goals. Despite his previous attempts to secure a move to Manchester City being unsuccessful, Kane’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain as the club failed to qualify for the Champions League and the forward is yet to win a major trophy. Real Madrid hopes their pursuit of major honors will entice Kane to consider a move to Spain.

    In addition to their pursuit of Kane, Real Madrid is also engaged in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has expressed his desire to join the Spanish club.

    Meanwhile, Tottenham is still in search of a manager following an underwhelming season under interim boss Ryan Mason, with talks scheduled to take place with Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou in the coming days.

    Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or-winning striker who joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009, departs the club on a free transfer after a successful tenure that included five Champions League triumphs and four La Liga titles.

  • TRANSFER RUMOURS: Madrid boss Ancelotti eyes Kane as Benzema’s replacement

    TRANSFER RUMOURS: Madrid boss Ancelotti eyes Kane as Benzema’s replacement

    • According to The Athletic, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his interest in signing Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, signaling a potential move for the talented forward.
    • The Sun reports that if Ange Postecoglou departs from his role as Celtic manager to become the new boss at Tottenham, it could pave the way for Tottenham to sign Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.
    • The Evening Standard highlights that Ange Postecoglou has remained tight-lipped about his future at Celtic despite strong links with a move to Tottenham.
    • Sport states that Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal is hopeful of announcing the signing of Lionel Messi from Paris St-Germain on June 6th, marking a potentially major transfer in the football world.
    • Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea is confident in their pursuit of 22-year-old Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon.
    • Goal suggests that Paris St-Germain is considering a move for Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, indicating their interest in strengthening their defensive line.
    • The Sun reports that Liverpool is eyeing a move for Fulham and Netherlands right-back Kenny Tete, showcasing their interest in bolstering their defensive options.
    • Football Transfers reveals that Liverpool is in talks with Nice midfielder Khephren Thurham while maintaining their interest in Feyenoord’s Orkun Kokcu, emphasizing their intent to strengthen their midfield.

    ALSO READ: Karim Benzema set to depart Real Madrid after 14 successful years

    • According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is on the verge of completing the final details of a move to Liverpool, suggesting a potential transfer deal.
    • Nice Matin quotes Tottenham and France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who reflects on the end of an era at the club and expresses his hope to find a new project where he can thrive.
    • Football Insider suggests that Leeds United has shortlisted Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson as a potential candidate in their search for a new manager.
    • The Sun reports that Leicester City is considering the appointment of former Rangers and Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard as their new boss following their relegation from the Premier League.
    • AS indicates that Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is determined to block any approach from Real Madrid for his German striker Kai Havertz.
    • Football Insider reveals that Mason Mount’s decision to join Manchester United over Liverpool was influenced by the chance to play Champions League football, highlighting the significance of the competition in player decisions.
    • Talksport reports that Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who is a target for Manchester United, was spotted attending the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City.
    • A Bola suggests that Aston Villa is in talks with Sporting Lisbon over a move for 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder Pedro Gonçalves.
    • The Sun reports that Newcastle is closing in on the signing of Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from OB Odense.
    • Fabrizio Romano reveals that Brighton will complete the signing of Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud in the upcoming week.
    • Footmercato reports that Chelsea is prepared to offer goalkeeper Edouard Mendy plus cash for Inter Milan and Cameroon stopper Andre Onana, indicating their intent to secure a new goalkeeper.

  • Hazard becomes free agent as Real Madrid terminates contract

    Hazard becomes free agent as Real Madrid terminates contract

    Real Madrid has officially announced that it has terminated the contract of Belgian winger Eden Hazard after an arduous four-year stay

    Following the termination, the Belgian now becomes a free agent.

    The Spanish powerhouse confirmed this significant decision through a statement released on its official website, marking the conclusion of Hazard’s tenure at the iconic Bernabeu stadium.

    ALSO READ: Karim Benzema set to depart Real Madrid after 14 successful years

    Having joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 for a staggering £90 million transfer fee, Hazard’s arrival was seen as a pinnacle moment in his career, as he showcased exceptional abilities during his time with Chelsea. However, the 32-year-old winger’s stay at the Santiago Bernabeu has been plagued by a series of unfortunate events, including frequent injuries and a severe decline in both form and confidence.

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    Reports suggest that Hazard’s relationship with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had deteriorated to the point where communication between the two had become scarce in recent months. Furthermore, Hazard’s contributions on the field have been limited, making just 10 appearances across all competitions this season.

    With Real Madrid officially terminating his contract, Eden Hazard now enters the market as a free agent, paving the way for new opportunities and potentially a fresh start in his professional career.

  • Joao Felix set for Atletico Madrid return as Pochettino opts against extended deal

    Joao Felix set for Atletico Madrid return as Pochettino opts against extended deal

    Joao Felix will be heading back to Atletico Madrid as Chelsea has decided not to retain the Portuguese winger following his loan spell according to president Enrique Cerezo.

    The 23-year-old Felix joined Chelsea on loan in January and managed to score four goals in 20 appearances for the club.

    Following a challenging season that saw Chelsea finish 12th in the Premier League, the club recently announced Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach.

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    Spanish outlet Marca reported that Cerezo stated, “The truth is that I can’t tell you the plan with Joao. It’s the news we had yesterday, that the new coach doesn’t have need for him in Chelsea. We don’t have anything planned yet; Joao is an Atletico player now.”

    Atletico Madrid had paid a hefty sum of £113 million to sign Felix from Benfica in 2019, and he remains under contract with them until 2027.

    During his time with Atletico, Felix has made 131 appearances, scoring 34 goals, and played a crucial role in their triumph in the 2020-21 LaLiga season.

  • TRANSFER RUMOURS: Madrid mull Firmino move, as Barca eye Bruno Guimaraes

    TRANSFER RUMOURS: Madrid mull Firmino move, as Barca eye Bruno Guimaraes

    • Barcelona is interested in securing the services of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. However, the club believes that convincing Newcastle United to sell the 25-year-old would require a transfer fee of approximately 100 million euros (£87 million). (Source: The Times)
    • Real Madrid is contemplating a move for Brazil forward Roberto Firmino, aged 31, who will become a free agent when his contract with Liverpool expires this summer. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)
    • Mauricio Pochettino, the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, has signed a three-year contract to become the new head coach of Chelsea. (Source: The Guardian)
    • Brazil remains hopeful of appointing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next head coach. The five-time world champions have been without a manager since Tite’s departure following the World Cup in Qatar in December. (Source: The Athletic)

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    • James Maddison, the 26-year-old England midfielder, is expected to lead the departure from Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League. (Source: Mirror)
    • Leeds United, who have been relegated, will not impede the departure of England winger Jack Harrison, aged 26, if the right offer comes in. (Source: Leeds Live)
    • Liverpool is reportedly considering the signing of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, aged 28, for a fee of 26 million euros (£22.5 million). Milinkovic-Savic’s contract with Lazio is set to expire in 2024. (Source: Calciomercato)
    • Manchester United’s chances of acquiring South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, aged 26, and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, aged 24, from Napoli have been boosted amidst speculation surrounding the future of Napoli’s manager, Luciano Spalletti. (Source: Givemesport)
    • Newcastle United has also joined the race to sign Napoli’s Kim Min-jae. (Source: Fijaches)
    • Sheffield United is monitoring the progress of Nottingham Forest’s English midfielder Lewis O’Brien, aged 24, who is currently on loan at DC United. (Source: The Sun)
    • Alexis Sanchez, the 34-year-old Chile forward and free agent, is eager to make a return to the Premier League after his stint at Marseille. Sanchez previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United. (Source: The Sun)