Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
If there is anything one must expect from Jose Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid, it is an airtight defence with an unstoppable counter-attacking system.
The manager has already secured the defensive recruitments he requires for his new project, and the attacking pieces were already in order with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. at the club.
Yan Diomande’s arrival only elevates the status of the attack, but it is not difficult to see why Vinicius Jr’s contract renewal standoff and talks of a potential departure would have worried Mourinho.
After all, the player exemplifies what the manager asks of his forwards and would be one of the team’s biggest assets.
Last night, Vinicius and Real Madrid sat across the table to have one final shot at agreeing on a renewal, and the club presented a raised offer which has seemingly impressed the player.
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho is ‘pushing’ for Vinicius’ renewal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano now, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho also had a big role to play in the saga as he was personally pushing for the player to stay throughout the negotiations.
The coach reportedly conveyed to both the club and the player himself that he would be central to the team’s plans next season, leaving no doubt in the minds of both parties that an agreement must be reached at any cost.
While the negotiations between both parties lasted long, they ended with positive feelings on either side about working together.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Edging closer to staying. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
As relayed last night, the Brazilian star’s entourage are now growing increasingly confident that an agreement can be reached that suits all parties involved.
The player has already returned to training under Jose Mourinho and is working hard to come back stronger in the season ahead. With Real Madrid showing that they value him with an improved offer, meaningful progress has been made and it is only a matter of time before the deal is finalised.
Alongside Yan Diomande and Mbappe, Vinicius is thus set to be part of one of football’s most daunting attacking trios next season. He will look to improve his output compared to last season when his goal contribution was not quite up to the mark.
Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Real Madrid enjoyed a successful day on Wednesday, having achieved a breakthrough in the deal for Yan Diomande and made meaningful progress in their renewal talks with Vinicius Jr.
However, it appears that their pursuit of another key target, Rodri, may have fallen in jeopardy, thanks to their arch-rivals FC Barcelona.
Indeed, according to The Athletic, Barcelona are exploring a move to sign the Manchester City heavyweight, despite reports suggesting otherwise earlier in the week.
As per the report, the La Liga champions have held direct talks with Rodri’s camp to understand the conditions of a potential deal.
Real Madrid have been working on the operation to sign the Spain captain for weeks now, with reports suggesting that a deal was close as the player wanted to return to the Spanish capital.
Rodri of Manchester City
Barcelona make their move for Rodri. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Personal terms were also believed to have been agreed and the only thing left was for the two clubs to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.
Now, though, Barcelona’s entry into the picture seems to have changed things. Having lost Frenkie de Jong to a knee injury for months, the Catalans have decided to make their move now.
According to the report, Rodri is attracted by the sporting project presented by Barcelona.
The style of play under Hansi Flick is something that appeals to him while the dressing room is also seen as a good fit, given that there is a large contingent of Spain players with whom he won the World Cup this summer.
Rodri of Spain
Rodri attracted by Barcelona’s project. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
In fact, an alternate report from Alex Crook of talkSPORT suggests that Barça may even be moving ahead of Real Madrid in the race for Rodri.
This development will come as a major concern for Real Madrid, given that manager Jose Mourinho has been pushing hard for the club to sign Rodri.
The manager sees the Spanish World Cup winner as a pivotal addition to the midfield as he can provide control, dictate tempo and add more creativity.
But with Barcelona now making their move for Rodri, the situation is now fully open and it remains to be seen where the 30-year-old ace ends up.