Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
Real Madrid will soon be boosted by the return of one more star player, as the club prepare for the season’s restart next weekend.
The team has already had quite a few players back from the international break including Kylian Mbappe, who had picked up an injury against Turkey.
Real Madrid will soon welcome back one more player, though not necessarily due to injury this time.
Vinicius set to return
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius Jr. was toothless against India. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr. is set to return to Santiago Bernabeu after playing out the final friendly for Brazil against India in Kolkata.
The forward started the game against India but was subbed off at half-time. He is now expected to return to the Bernabeu, after a gruelling schedule that saw Brazil travel to Australia and India.
Vinicius Jr.’s performance against India saw the Brazilian struggle to make much of an impact on the flanks, even as the Selecao dominated in the final third.
Although he attempts three shots on goal, one of them was a wayward attempt while the forward also notably missed an opportunity to score from a great volleyed effort, misjuding the shot completely.
Lots of questions to answer
Vinicius Jr., Brazil and Real Madrid player
Can Vinicius find his peak at Real Madrid? (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
As Vinicius Jr. looks to return to Santiago Bernabeu soon, he must answer many question marks over his performances for both club and country.
Vinicius’ poor showing during the international break has already led to conspiracy theories about a potential clone.
While much of it is simply an internet meme, it does raise key issues related to his performances, with the forward scoring just one goal for Real Madrid this season.
If he continues to struggle in front of goal and build a solid relationship with Mbappe, his place in the team could be in danger, knowing that Jose Mourinho is not someone who is afraid of taking drastic measures.
The coming weeks, therefore, could be critical for the Brazilian international.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Real Madrid have an attack that most clubs would envy, with two or three starting options for each position.
The club added Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi in the summer, strengthening an already bloated attack, but it looks like they have their eyes on other options as well.
Los Blancos are carefully studying a possible move for Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, who is looking for a new club.
According to Diario AS, Madrid recognise that there are several obstacles surrounding a move for the attacking midfielder.
However, the club’s assessment is particularly striking: the potential of the player nicknamed “Kid Messi” could make overcoming those difficulties worthwhile.
Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October and wants to leave Manchester United because he believes there is no clear enough pathway into the first team.
Madrid are among several European giants monitoring the situation, but signing him would be far from straightforward.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel is out shopping for a club in the market. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Since British players are considered non-EU footballers following Brexit, Gabriel ordinarily could not move to Madrid before turning 18.
An earlier move abroad would require his family to relocate for reasons unrelated to his football career.
There is another complication. Gabriel is already registered with United this season and could therefore only represent another club if the English side released him. That seems unlikely.
Despite the obstacles stacked against this deal, Madrid continue to study the possibilities.
Madrid’s determination is the most important aspect. They are not approaching the 15-year-old because the operation is convenient.
Quite the opposite. They understand the legal and practical difficulties but apparently rate his potential highly enough to stick their necks out for him.
There is serious competition as well. Bayern Munich are mentioned as a major contender, while Barcelona have gained momentum recently.
Gabriel is effectively assessing his options across Europe before deciding where his future should lie.
For Madrid, there is an obvious difference between recognising Gabriel’s potential and actually getting involved in an expensive or legally problematic operation.
However, elite teenage talents rarely arrive without competition. The English starlet is widely regarded as the biggest talent of his generation.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
Real Madrid see JJ Gabriel worth the trouble it could take to sign him. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
There are also question marks surrounding Gabriel’s camp and how involved they become in negotiations.
Madrid’s recruitment strategy recently has been built around identifying exceptional youngsters before their value and status explode.
Gabriel appears to have reached the point where the club believe walking away simply because the deal is difficult could carry its own risk.
There are plenty of obstacles, but Madrid seem ready for the ride, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations pan out.