Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of signing a new central defender after losing Raul Asencio for an extended period, according to Fichajes.

The report says the Spanish club have identified three potential targets: Jacobo Ramon of Como, Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter. Ramon is reportedly the leading option on the shortlist.

Real Madrid sold Ramon to Como for €2.5m in summer 2025, but retained 50% of the player’s rights and several routes to bring him back to the club.

One of those options would allow Real Madrid to activate a €9m buy-back clause next summer. However, Ramon’s willingness to return could prove a significant obstacle, with the defender currently enjoying regular first-team football in Italy.

The 20-year-old left Real Madrid for Como after finding opportunities in the Spanish side’s first team limited. His continued playing time in Italy is understood to be an important factor in his decision over whether to return to Madrid.

Schlotterbeck and Bastoni are also being considered as possible alternatives. Both are established central defenders at Borussia Dortmund and Inter respectively, although the report identifies Ramon as Real Madrid’s preferred candidate.

The interest comes as Real Madrid assess their defensive options following Asencio’s lengthy absence. The club are therefore weighing whether to pursue a new signing or use their existing agreement with Como to bring Ramon back.

Real Madrid are currently fourth in the La Liga table after seven matches, having collected 15 points.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has pointed to team-mate Kylian Mbappe as an example of how difficult it is to win the Champions League, saying: “Look at Mbappe.”

Real Madrid have lifted Europe’s most prestigious club trophy a record 15 times, but their performances in the past two editions have fallen well short of another triumph.

Mbappe joined the Spanish club ahead of the season before last, immediately after Real Madrid’s most recent Champions League success in 2024. However, the France forward has yet to win the competition at any stage of his career.

Mbappe will turn 28 in December.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has given his view on the refereeing decisions affecting the team, amid continued complaints from the club about match officials.

Real Madrid were involved in another controversial incident during their latest derby against Atletico de Madrid. Referee sent off Dean Huijsen, while representatives of the Spanish club believe several Atletico de Madrid players escaped punishment. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho’s side are due to return to their home ground on 10 October, when they will face Villarreal.

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was left unable to answer when journalists asked him to explain how his club differs from the Spain national team.

The question followed Spain’s latest match, a 4-1 victory over Croatia. Huijsen played the full game for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Spain will return to action in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, 3 October, when they face the Czech Republic.

Barcelona forward Raphinha has left the Brazil squad early because of an injury.

The problem is not considered serious, and he could still start in the club’s next La Liga match against Getafe. However, manager Hansi Flick may choose to rest the captain ahead of more important matches in October.

According to Barca Universal, Flick has six alternatives for the forward position: Gabriel Jesus, Hamza Abdelkarim, Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal.

Raphinha had scored 14 goals and provided three assists in eight appearances for Barcelona before the international break.

Real Betis left-back Fran Garcia has spoken about his departure from Real Madrid, saying he realised the club no longer included him in their plans when they signed Cucurella.

A product of the Real Madrid academy, Garcia returned to the club in 2023 before being sold last summer.

The defender made 109 appearances for Real Madrid in total, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists.

Mallorca goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar suffered a head injury after accidentally striking a decorative feature while having lunch at a cafe at the club’s training base.

The 42-year-old was hurt in the incident and required medical attention, according to derbyderbyderby.it.

Cuellar began his professional playing career in 2002, when he was 18. He has represented Atletico Madrid, but is best known for his time with Sporting de Gijon.

The goalkeeper joined Mallorca in 2023, moving to the club three years ago. Despite his age, Cuellar remains determined to continue playing.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he has been impressed by the performances of Barcelona forward Raphinha Dias, describing the Brazil international as an “underrated player”.

Raphinha Dias has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in eight appearances for Barcelona so far this season.

Barcelona’s next meeting with Real Madrid is scheduled for 25 October at the Catalan club’s home ground. The fixture will see the two sides meet with Barcelona currently top of La Liga.

Hans-Dieter Flick’s team have collected 21 points from their opening seven league matches. Real Madrid are fourth in the table with 15 points.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has reflected on his side’s recent derby defeat by Atletico Madrid, insisting the result was not caused by the officials.

Real Madrid lost 2-1 away from home after being reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute, when Dean Huijsen was shown a red card.

The decision-making during the match left Real Madrid unhappy, with the club particularly critical of the refereeing in the meeting with Atletico Madrid.

Jose Mourinho also highlighted the issue at his news conference, bringing printed photographs showing several incidents in which he believed Atletico Madrid players should have been sent off.

Real Madrid will return to action on 10 October, when they face Villarreal.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has shared his impressions of working with Jose Mourinho, who returned to the “royal club” last summer.

The Belgium international already knew the Portuguese manager from their time together at Chelsea. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

Courtois joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2018.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has told Belgium manager Marc van Bommel that he will not play in the national team’s autumn fixtures because he is currently prioritising his club.

The 34-year-old has made 115 appearances for Belgium, conceding 90 goals.

Belgium began their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Italy before losing 1-0 to France. The Red Devils are due to face Turkey on Friday, 2 October.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he does not want his son to follow him into goalkeeping as the youngster begins his first steps in football.

The 34-year-old has been with Real Madrid since 2018. Before joining the Spanish club, Courtois played for Chelsea, Atletico and Genk.

Real Madrid will host Villarreal on 10 October in the eighth round of La Liga. The team, managed by Jose Mourinho, currently sit fourth in the table with 15 points.

Barcelona have revived their interest in Sporting right-back Ivan Fresneda, who was recently called up to the Spain squad for the first time.

The 22-year-old is among the potential transfer targets being considered by the Catalan club, according to Barca Universal, citing Sport.

Barcelona previously monitored Fresneda in the summer of 2023, when he was playing for Valladolid. However, Sporting moved more quickly than their rivals and secured his signing.

Fresneda was included in the Spain squad after replacing the injured Pedro Porro. The Madrid-born defender has yet to make his debut for the national team.

Fresneda came through the academy at Real Madrid before continuing his development at Valladolid. His current market value is estimated at 20m euros by Transfermarkt.

Barcelona forward Raphinha Dias has avoided a serious injury after being forced off at half-time during Brazil’s match against Australia.

The 29-year-old was substituted as a precaution after developing muscle swelling. According to Sport, Barcelona are not concerned about the extent of the problem, with Raphinha indicating that the injury is minor.

Unless there are any unexpected complications, Raphinha should be available for Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture against Getafe on 10 October.

The winger has left the Brazil squad at Barcelona’s request and will undergo further examinations in the coming period.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has chosen team-mate Kylian Mbappe as the player he would award the Ballon d’Or to this year.

Mbappe finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, making him Courtois’ preferred candidate for the individual prize.

“He amazes everyone,” Courtois said of Mbappe.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 26 October.

Mbappe did not win a team trophy with Real Madrid last season.

Virgil van Dijk could leave Liverpool at the end of the 2026/27 season, with the club yet to offer its captain and long-serving defender a new contract and Real Madrid reportedly considering a short-term deal for the Dutchman.

Van Dijk will turn 36 at the start of the 2027/28 campaign. His possible departure would mark a significant change at Anfield, although Liverpool’s recent decision to part company with Mohamed Salah underlines the principle that no individual is bigger than the club.

Players eventually move on, while the institution continues. However, few Liverpool players in recent years have had Van Dijk’s authority, consistency and influence in leading the side.

His absence would be particularly significant because Liverpool do not appear to have an obvious replacement for the defensive and leadership qualities he provides.

Reports in Spain have suggested Real Madrid could offer Van Dijk a short-term contract if he becomes a free agent. It remains unclear whether that prospect would appeal to the player, although a move could reunite him with former central defensive partner Ibrahima Konate.

Jose Mourinho is not a manager known for signing players without a purpose. If he believes Van Dijk can still contribute, though, the Portuguese would not turn down the opportunity to acquire an experienced defender without a transfer fee.

Van Dijk’s importance to Liverpool is reflected in his workload since the beginning of the 2025/26 season. No player has started more than his 61 matches in that period, while only Alexis Mac Allister has featured in more games, with 62.

The defender has played 5,481 minutes, more than any other Liverpool squad member. That level of availability, particularly at his age, highlights his continued reliability.

Van Dijk has also scored eight goals during the same period. Only Cody Gakpo, Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike have scored more for Liverpool.

He has been involved in 19 of the 61 matches in which Liverpool kept a clean sheet. No other player has been part of a Liverpool side that prevented the opposition from scoring more often since the start of 25/26.

His defensive numbers are similarly dominant. Van Dijk has made 272 headed clearances and 396 clearances overall, both comfortably more than any of his team-mates.

Although his 34 attempted tackles are fewer than those of several colleagues, he has won 61.76 per cent of them, one of the highest success rates in the squad. He has regained possession 165 times, including 77 recoveries in the middle third of the pitch.

Van Dijk has won 299 of his 418 one-on-one duels, giving him a success rate of 71.53 per cent, well ahead of his team-mates. His 323 aerial duels and 243 victories in them are also squad highs.

He is the only Liverpool player to have attempted more than 4,000 passes, completing 3,926 of 4,396 for an 89.31 per cent accuracy rate. One or two players have marginally better percentages, but they have attempted about 2,000 fewer passes.

The statistics suggest that age has not diminished Van Dijk’s competitive edge. Despite appearing to have lost some pace, he has continued to perform at the highest level without relying on speed.

Andoni Iraola and the Liverpool board therefore face a difficult decision before allowing the captain to leave. “You don't know what you've got until you lose it” may prove an accurate warning, with Real Madrid potentially set to benefit.

Real Madrid representative Emilio Butragueno attended a ceremony in Buenos Aires commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary footballer Alfredo Di Stefano.

Di Stefano’s daughter, Silvana, and his sister, Norma, were also present at the event.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the former site of the club’s football ground where Di Stefano began playing the sport.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has been named the club’s best player for September, according to ManagingMadrid.

The 21-year-old Turkey international has been one of the most influential players in the team’s early-season campaign, producing particularly strong numbers in creating chances for his team-mates.

Guler’s place in Real Madrid’s starting line-up was uncertain at the beginning of the season because of the competition for places. However, he has established himself in the first team and developed an effective partnership with Jude Bellingham.

Guler is currently away with the Turkey national team. Turkey lost both of their matches in September, against France and Italy.

Their next Nations League fixtures will take place at the start of October, when Turkey will face Belgium and Italy.

Barcelona remain interested in signing a recognised top-level centre-forward after failing to recruit one during the summer transfer window.

The Catalan club instead used Raphinha in the central attacking role, while Gabriel Jesus was brought in as cover. However, Hansi Flick’s side have not abandoned their plan to strengthen at the top of the attack.

A report in El Nacional has linked Barcelona with a possible move for Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old Spain international has emerged as a potential target as the club continues to consider its options up front.

The report also claims the proposed transfer would have the backing of Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. Yamal is said to feel comfortable playing alongside Oyarzabal for the Spain national team.

A bid of 50 million euros could provide the basis for negotiations between Barcelona and Real Sociedad over Oyarzabal, according to the report.

Barcelona’s interest follows a summer in which they were unable to complete a deal for an established elite centre-forward, leaving Flick to adjust his attacking options. Raphinha was deployed in the lead role, with Gabriel Jesus providing an alternative.

The possibility of signing Oyarzabal would represent a continuation of Barcelona’s search for a long-term solution in attack, with Yamal’s reported support potentially adding to the appeal of the move.

Ferran Torres reportedly wants to see Barcelona team-mate Dani Olmo join him at Paris Saint-Germain.

Recent reports suggested the forward had been trying to persuade Pedri to follow the same route, leaving Barcelona for the French club. El Nacional has now reported that Torres would also like another Barcelona player, Olmo, to become part of his team-mate’s squad.

According to the report, Olmo could be encouraged to consider a transfer because he is not currently a guaranteed starter at Barcelona.

The 28-year-old is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and clubs in the Premier League.

Transfermarkt values Dani Olmo at 60 million euros.