REAL MADRID EXODUS? VINI, BELLINGHAM AMONG FIVE UNHAPPY STARS
Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr is reportedly stalling on a new contract amid a strained relationship with coach Xabi Alonso. Reports suggest he is one of five key players unhappy with the manager's methods at the Bernabeu.
Word around the Santiago Bernabeu is that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. isn't planning to extend his contract right now. Apparently, he's finding it tough to work with the new manager, Xabi Alonso. Sources say Vinicius is one of five players at Real Madrid who aren't thrilled with Alonso's methods since he took over from Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
Alonso Addresses Issues with Vinicius
After a recent game, Alonso tried to downplay any issues with Vinicius. He told reporters they had a team meeting where Vinicius was honest and sincere. Alonso felt the matter was settled after that.
He also said Vinicius' apology was a good thing, showing his honesty to his teammates, the club, and the fans. Real Madrid decided not to punish Vinicius for his reaction, with Alonso confirming that the issue was resolved.
More Players Unhappy?
Mundo Deportivo reports that Vinicius isn't the only one unhappy with Alonso. Other key players like Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Endrick, and Rodrygo also reportedly don't have the best relationship with the coach. There was talk of Rodrygo leaving this summer, and he's only started three La Liga games this season. Endrick may be loaned to Lyon. Valverde had to deny claims that he refused to play a defensive role for Alonso.
Real Madrid's poor results this season have put Alonso under pressure. Losses like the one against Liverpool in the Champions League, plus a 0-0 draw against Rayo, haven't pleased fans. They're also not enjoying the team's playing style. After those games, Madrid tied 2-2 with Elche, needing a late goal from Bellingham to save a point.
Alonso Explains Benching Vinicius
After the Elche game, Alonso explained his decision to start Vinicius on the bench. He said they had discussed it, and Vinicius understood why he wasn't in the starting lineup.
He told reporters that they talk often, and Vinicius knew the role he could play, like in a previous game against Getafe. Alonso admitted they weren't happy with the result but were eager to improve.
Alonso also said his relationship with the players is improving. He added that they are still competing, and each game is different. He knows that the result is what matters. They are aware of that and are critical of themselves, but the team spirit is good, and they have to face problems head-on because this is Real Madrid. They live with criticism and want to get better.
He feels they have more time to get to know each other and that they are all working towards the same goal, celebrating the win and suffering the loss. The situation needs to turn around, starting with the next game.
Looking Ahead: A Trip to Greece
Real Madrid will try to bounce back against Olympiacos in the Champions League. Everyone will be watching to see if Vinicius is back in the starting lineup. If Alonso's team doesn't win, the pressure will increase, especially with Manchester City coming up next in the Champions League.
WHY AC MILAN ARE TURNING TO REAL MADRID’S BACKUP ANDRIY LUNIN TO REPLACE MIKE MAIGNAN
AC Milan is preparing a €15M bid for Andriy Lunin. Discover why the Real Madrid keeper is now the favourite to take over at San Siro.
AC Milan might go after Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid this summer, according to Defensa Central. Apparently, Milan is having trouble getting Mike Maignan to sign a new contract.
So, Lunin is high on their list as a possible replacement. He did sign a deal to stay with Real Madrid until 2030, but Milan is still watching him while things with Maignan are up in the air.
Reportedly, Milan gave Maignan a final offer of €7 million per season, but he's not sure about it. Because of this, the club is now scouting for other options.
If Maignan leaves, Milan's bosses plan to offer between €10 million and €15 million for Lunin. They think that's a fair price for a keeper with his experience.
Real Madrid usually doesn't do winter transfers. The club has already said they won't sell anyone in January, except for loaning Endrick to Lyon. So, they won't even think about a deal for Lunin until the season is over.
Lunin turned down offers from Turkish clubs last summer to compete for his spot at Real Madrid. The chance to start every week at Milan could change his mind. At 26, he's currently Courtois' backup. A move in 2026 could give him the playing time he wants. Manchester United was also interested in Lunin last summer, so there'll be plenty of teams after him.
Why Real Madrid Should Ask for More or Keep Lunin
Lunin showed what he's capable of when he filled in for Courtois. He has the skills to play at the highest level. He saved Real Madrid many times, including in important Champions League games. Because of his input, his value has increased.
The rumoured price of €10 million to €15 million seems too low. Lunin was key to Real Madrid's defence for most of the 2023/24 season. Real Madrid should ask for way more if they decide to sell. If not, they should keep him as a backup in case Courtois gets hurt again.
Selling him for that little would be a mistake. It’s almost impossible to find another backup as good as him for that price these days. It's hard to keep a keeper who wants to be the number one, but Xabi Alonso thinks having a deep squad is very important.
Real Madrid needs to think about the money versus the risk on the field. Letting a talent like Lunin go for cheap would be a bad move. Madrid should keep him unless Milan makes a much better offer. Having two top-notch goalkeepers creates a sense of security that money can't often buy.
MARKET REPORT: WHY CHELSEA IS SUDDENLY THE FAVORITE TO RESIGN ANTONIO RüDIGER
Antonio Rüdiger is considering a shock return to Chelsea as Real Madrid pause contract talks. Read why Xabi Alonso is hesitant.
Word on the street is that Antonio Rudiger might head back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid player is thinking about coming back to the Premier League. His deal with Real Madrid runs out in 2026, and he hasn't agreed to a new one yet. There's talk he might leave next summer and maybe even team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Contract Talks On Hold
Back in November, Marca said that Rudiger and Real Madrid started talking about a new contract, but those talks are on pause now. His current contract is up at the end of the season. They started talking months ago, threw some numbers around, and both sides seemed to want a deal.
But they stopped talking after Rudiger hurt his muscle in September. They decided it wasn't right to make a deal while he was getting better.
Back to Chelsea?
Rudiger played for Chelsea for five years, winning a Champions League title, before moving to Real Madrid in 2022. Now, he might go back to Chelsea. There are rumours that Chelsea wants him back next summer, according to Diario AS.
Also, Paris Saint-Germain is interested, and Galatasaray is watching what's happening with him in Madrid.
Besides Europe, he's also wanted in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are thinking about trying to get him next year.
What Alonso Thinks
BILD said in October that Xabi Alonso, the Madrid boss, isn't totally sold on Rudiger. He thinks Rudiger has been getting injured too much and hasn't been playing consistently. Also, Dean Huijsen, who joined in the summer, has been playing great and has already won a starting spot. Huijsen and Eder Militao have been a solid pair in the back, but Militao got hurt recently.
Madrid Might Not Sign Two Defenders
Even with Rudiger's future up in the air, AS says that Madrid isn't looking to sign two defenders anymore. They were looking at Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Both of those guys might leave their clubs since they're in the last six months of their contracts.
There were reports that Real Madrid wasn't interested in Konate because he hadn't been playing well lately. They might still move next summer, but it probably won't be to Real Madrid.
Alonso's team plays Real Betis at home on January 4 after the winter break.