Van der Vaart encourages Van de Beek to make Madrid switch

Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart was recently interviewed by Dutch television station NOS where he was asked about the potential, incoming Donny Van de Beek transfer to the Spanish capital.

“I think he deserves to go and that he has a good chance of succeeding [at Real Madrid].”

“He played great in the Champions League last season and they know all about him. He is a hard-working, normal guy, and he would be adored.”

“Of course I would sign for Real. If I were him, I would even go to Madrid by bicycle.”

It certainly seems that Van de Beek is moving closer to a transfer to Real Madrid, with the young Dutchman confirming Real have been in contact with Ajax regarding him after the club’s draw to Vitesse earlier on Saturday. Van de Beek registered a goal and an assist in the Eredivisie opening match.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who is just about as reliable as it gets, even confirmed Friday night that Real and Ajax are in “advanced talks.” Jose Luis Sanchez gave further confirmation of this on laSexta Deportes Saturday afternoon.

At 22, Van de Beek is by no means a guaranteed starter should he indeed join the club. However, he is needed with the lack of midfield options that Real currently possess and a potentially important asset for the future. And certainly the last six months have shown he at least has the potential to reach great quality.

Other reports swear Real are still after Paul Pogba, despite Manchester United seemingly not being interested in selling him. Should the rumors hold true, Real are reportedly still after another midfielder in addition to Van de Beek, ranging from Pogba, Eriksen and now to Bruno Fernandes.

Real Madrid reportedly exceed the foreign player quota

As AS have reported, Real Madrid are currently exceeding the 3-player foreign (non-EU) player quota enacted by LaLiga. Militão, Kubo, Rodrygo, Valverde, and Vinicius all taking up spots.

Vinicius is currently registered with Castilla. Zidane has already confirmed Kubo will play with Castilla. It is also likely Rodrygo will be registered with Castilla as well.

Valverde has reportedly been in the citizenship process since April and is still waiting to be officially nationalized in Spain.

Zidane is required to register a 25-player UEFA-compliant A squad by September 2 for the Champions League. AS also states that the A squad “must include at least eight players who have received “formative training” in Spain and four spots will be reserved players who have come through the youth system at the club.”

Kubo, Vinicius, and Rodrygo all cannot register with the B team as players must have played for the club at least 2 years in order to do so.

The trio can, however play, in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. So, a bit of a problem for the club while Valverde waits to free up a non-EU spot this season, but nothing that can’t be figured out in due time.

The 9th anniversary of Ronaldo switching to 9 gets celebrated on social media

A bit of minor celebration as the 9th anniversary of Cristiano Ronaldo making the switch from the ‘9’ to ‘7’ shirt at Real Madrid was showcased on social media by accounts such as Bleacher Report.

When Ronaldo joined the club back in 2009, he would leave his ‘7’ shirt behind him at Manchester United and take the ‘9’ shirt, made famous by club legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Hugo Sánchez, and Ronaldo Nazario.

Just a season later, he would take the 7 from the retiring legend Raúl and the rest is, as they say, is history. Ronaldo, as we of course all know, would go on to win many trophies, score many goals, and create a generation of memories for the club wearing this now infamous shirt, bringing much respect to the number as Raúl, Butragueño and Juanito did.

As painful as it is to still reminisce about Cristiano’s time at the club being done, it’s still a powerful memory to remember and celebrate.