Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
In less than a week, the FIFA Club World Cup gets underway in the United States of America. Real Madrid, though, will play their first game of the group stage next week against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
With the team set to fly to the US later this week, new manager Xabi Alonso already has a fair idea of the players who he will be taking along for the tournament.
A number of first-team players will be unavailable through injury while the likes of Dani Carvajal David Alaba, and Eder Militao, despite resuming training, are unlikely to be involved either.
As such, there will be opportunities for young talents from the Castilla and youth teams at the tournament.
The likes of Diego Aguado, Jesus Fortea, Gonzalo Garcia, and Jacobo Ramon are all expected to be in Alonso’s squad for the tournament.
Yusi will also travel with Real Madrid first team
Now, according to journalist Rodra, another Real Madrid youngster, Youssef Lekhedim ‘Yusi’ will also be travelling with the first team for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 19-year-old left-back is a player that Xabi Alonso is familiar with, having already coached him with the club’s Infantil A (U-14) team a few years ago.
Ferland Mendy is unavailable for the Club World Cup. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Real Madrid will be flying to the US without first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy who is out injured.
The Merengues hoped to close the signing of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica in time for the tournament but it was not possible either.
As such, Alonso will be left with only Fran Garcia as the recognised left-back in the squad. That is why, Yusi is also expected to travel to the US for the tournament.
The 19-year-old left-back made 35 appearances for Castilla this season, scoring one and assisting four goals. He was also called up to the first-team matchday squad by former manager Carlo Ancelotti on eight occasions.
Given Alonso’s familiarity with the player, it should not come as a surprise to see Yusi get some opportunities at the Club World Cup, although fellow teenager Aguado will also be an option.
Real Madrid target has already signed everything to join Arsenal despite recent links – Romano
In recent weeks, there has been a renewed focus from Real Madrid for the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
Earlier in the summer, the Real Sociedad star was almost destined for a move to Arsenal. But recent reports suggest he has stalled the move to Emirates amid renewed contact from Real Madrid.
Zubimendi remain committed to Arsenal move
However, Fabrizio Romano has recently given more clarification as far as the future of Zubimendi is concerned.
According to the Italian transfer expert, Zubimendi remains committed to his desire to join Arsenal this summer.
The midfielder is clear about his intentions to join Arsenal and everything has already been signed.
While the recent delay remains unknown, it is clear that the Real Sociedad star will join the Gunners this summer, sooner or later.
Martin Zubimendi has decided to join Arsenal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
This could be a major blow for Real Madrid, who are fronting for a new midfielder this summer following the exit of Luka Modric.
Zubimendi would have been an ideal bet given his vast experience in La Liga. During his time at Sociedad, the player had featured in almost 200 matches in the Spanish first division.
The club ideally want to sign a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos. They have been linked with a move for emerging German star Angelo Stiller, but nothing is concrete as of yet.
In fact, reports suggest the German international will ‘never sign’ for Real Madrid, meaning the club may have to find other alternatives in the market.
Fortunately, we are still in the early stages of the summer and Real Madrid have ample time to scour the market and pick the ideal option to reinforce their ranks in the middle of the park.