Major midfield exit under consideration at Real Madrid to fund new arrivals
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Real Madrid’s summer rebuild may not be limited to new arrivals.
While much of the focus has been on the players joining the club, attention is now beginning to shift towards a potentially significant departure that could reshape Jose Mourinho’s midfield plans.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Spanish giants have already taken steps to reduce the wage bill and create room within the squad, including approving Dani Ceballos’ contract termination.
However, that may only be the beginning of a much larger restructuring process.
In fact, according to AS, Real Madrid are not ruling out a major midfield sale if it helps finance the signing of the dynamic, box-to-box midfielder Mourinho wants before the transfer window closes.
With several expensive additions already secured and further reinforcements still being discussed, the club is carefully assessing every option available to balance the books while continuing to strengthen the squad.
Real Madrid exploring midfield departures
Mourinho’s priorities for the remainder of the summer are becoming increasingly clear.
Real Madrid are open to offers for Camavinga. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
After reinforcing multiple defensive positions, the Portuguese coach is believed to be pushing for another centre-back and a midfielder capable of controlling games while contributing in both defensive and attacking phases.
To make that happen, Real Madrid are prepared to make room in the roster by willing to listen to offers for current players.
The report suggests that two names stand out due to their market value and the level of interest they continue to generate across Europe, namely Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
AdvertisementAdvertisementNotably, of the two French internationals, Camavinga appears to be the player facing the greater uncertainty.
This is because his campaign was disrupted by inconsistency and limited availability, sparking questions about his long-term role within Mourinho’s plans.
At the same time, clubs in Serie A and the Premier League are believed to be monitoring his situation closely, while Paris Saint-Germain have also shown informal interest.
Tchouameni is highly valued
Unlike Camavinga, Tchouameni’s standing within the squad appears considerably stronger.
Valverde’s exit is less likely. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe midfielder was one of the few players to emerge from Real Madrid’s disappointing season with his reputation enhanced, delivering consistent performances despite the team’s struggles.
Even so, his future cannot be considered completely untouchable.
Mourinho is still evaluating the squad he has inherited, and much will depend on the tactical structure he ultimately chooses to implement.
Furthermore, there have also been discussions surrounding the previous tension between Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
While both players are understood to have resolved their differences, the situation remains part of the wider context surrounding Real Madrid’s midfield dynamics.
AdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking of Valverde, the outlet mentions that he is viewed as a cornerstone of the Real Madrid project.
Despite enduring a difficult period, the Uruguayan remains one of the dressing room leaders and currently holds the captain’s armband, making his departure considerably less likely.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
