WHY DID REAL MADRID SELL VICTOR MUNOZ FOR €5M ONLY TO RETURN?
Discover how Real Madrid beat Barcelona to Victor Munoz while securing Nico Paz from Como for just €9 million.
Real Madrid is planning to strengthen their squad next summer by targeting several cost-effective signings, aiming to refresh a team that’s showing signs of age. The new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, has injected new energy, working alongside Thiago Pitarch, Manuel Angel, and Cesar Palacios. Still, the club is also focused on recalling some players he previously managed.
One of the more talked-about returns involves Como’s playmaker, Nico Paz. Real Madrid is set to activate a €9 million buyback clause this summer, bringing Paz back after he impressed in Italy. The Argentine, who was named Serie A’s Young Player of the Year last season, has developed into one of Europe’s promising talents.
Besides Paz, Los Blancos are keen on re-signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna. According to Ramon Alvarez de Mon, Madrid plans to bring the 22-year-old back this summer. Munoz left the club last year for €5 million, but the team holds an €8 million buyback option. There had been rumours of Barcelona showing interest, especially since Munoz spent time in La Masia, but it looks like Madrid will secure his return to the Bernabeu.
Munoz has had a breakthrough season at Osasuna, standing out with his pace and relentless running under coach Alessio Lisci. He’s made 31 appearances, scoring six goals and assisting five, and recently scored in his debut for Spain against Serbia. Osasuna even turned down a €25 million bid from Sunderland, signalling his rising value. The club’s sporting director, Braulio Vazquez, confirmed that Madrid’s buyback clause remains active for the early years of Munoz’s contract.
On the other hand, Jacobo Ramon and Chema Andres aren’t expected to return just yet. Alvarez de Mon notes that while Jacobo Ramon’s return is less likely, Chema Andres’s chances depend largely on Real Madrid’s moves in the transfer market. For now, the club seems content to keep monitoring their progress before deciding on a recall down the road.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD BENCHED FOR MADRID DERBY FOLLOWING TRAINING GROUND DISCIPLINARY BREACH
Real Madrid beat Atletico 3-2 as Vinicius Jnr shined, while Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a late penalty.
Reports say Real Madrid left Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the starting lineup for the Madrid derby on Sunday as a disciplinary measure after he showed up late. The former Liverpool player had been gaining momentum recently, securing a place in the team following a tough adjustment period. His rise included a notable performance in Real’s Champions League victory against Manchester City.
However, things took a turn earlier in the week when Thomas Tuchel excluded him from England’s 35-man squad, making his chances of going to the World Cup slim. Then on Sunday, Dani Carvajal was preferred at right back, with Alexander-Arnold only coming on for the final 15 minutes.
According to The Athletic, the reason behind this was Alexander-Arnold turning up late to a training session, which cost him his starting spot. The match ended 3-2 in Real’s favour, with Vinicius Jr scoring twice and Federico Valverde adding another. The visitors managed goals from Ademola Lookman and Nahuel Molina. Valverde was shown a late red card, but Real held on to keep their lead over Barcelona at the top of the league at four points.
Since joining Madrid on a free transfer from Liverpool, where he spent his youth career, Alexander-Arnold has featured in 21 matches across all competitions this season. He started 14 times, including six Champions League games, while managing injuries and adapting to his new environment.
His struggles at Madrid have affected his place in the England setup. Tuchel referred to it as a “sporting decision", opting for other right-back options like Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence instead. With Reece James injured, Alexander-Arnold’s exclusion stands out, especially as Tuchel will need to reduce the squad from 35 players after this international break, which includes friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. His Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham remains part of the squad.
ALVARO ARBELOA EXPLAIN WHY HUMILITY IS KEY TO OVERCOMING GUARDIOLA’S MAN CITY
Alvaro Arbeloa demands humility at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola cancels training before the Champions League decider.
Tomorrow night, Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off for the third time this season in the UEFA Champions League, this time at the Etihad Stadium.
Their first meeting, during the group stage, ended with Manchester City securing a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Real Madrid got their revenge last week in the Round of 16 first leg, winning 3-0.
Now, led by Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid aims to protect that lead and secure its place in the quarterfinals.
Talking about the team’s mindset as they prepare for the match, Arbeloa said the goal remains unchanged from the first leg. They want to win, maintaining the same humility and determination, aware that it won't be an easy task. He emphasised that humility and ambition will be key.
He also spoke about the mental angle: Real Madrid knows the challenge they face and the quality of their opponent. To come out on top, they must focus solely on delivering a high-level performance, showing solidarity, effort, and sacrifice, essentially creating significant problems for Manchester City.
Reflecting on the first leg win without Kylian Mbappe, Arbeloa pointed out how impressive it is for a team to compete well without their top scorer, underlining the overall strength of the squad.
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Mbappe will be available tomorrow. Jude Bellingham has been named in the squad as well, although Arbeloa clarified he won’t play. Still, it’s positive to see Bellingham close to returning; the manager believes he’ll be a leader for the team moving forward.
When asked about the possibility of keeping the current 4-4-2 formation after Mbappe’s return, Arbeloa noted that Mbappe brings unique qualities distinct from players like Brahim. He highlighted Mbappe’s intelligence and ability to exploit spaces, expressing eagerness to have him on the pitch.
Since Arbeloa took charge two months ago, there’s been a notable shift toward trusting youth players from the academy and reserves. He made it clear that no player is untouchable; everyone, including Valverde, Vinicius, and Tchouameni, had to earn their spot on merit. The academy youngsters have stepped up impressively, performing at a high level and contributing significantly.
As injured players return, Arbeloa expects to have more options, aiming to consistently field the strongest eleven suited to each match.
Regarding whether matches like this one influence his future at the club, Arbeloa dismissed the idea. His focus is fully on the team and the fans' excitement. He plans to stay as long as needed and enjoy every moment.
Leading up to the game, Pep Guardiola surprised some by giving Manchester City a day off and cancelling training. Arbeloa wasn’t fazed, pointing out that Guardiola is a seasoned manager with nearly a thousand games under his belt. City’s squad know each other so well, they can practically play without thinking.
On Federico Valverde’s role, Arbeloa praised his versatility and current form. Valverde can play anywhere and is thriving, finding the back of the net and enjoying freedom on the field. With Bellingham's and Mbappe’s eventual return, the team wants to keep this strong version of Valverde going.
Lastly, Arbeloa touched on Arda Guler’s performance in the first leg, especially how he was tasked with marking Erling Haaland during set pieces. He admired Guler’s goal against Elche and acknowledged the importance of crowding Haaland defensively. Arbeloa felt Guler did well and is hopeful they can replicate that effort tomorrow.
Must Read
