Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have only got a new era underway over the summer following Xabi Alonso's arrival in the Spanish capital, Los Blancos are clearly enjoying life under the former Bayer Leverkusen boss. Last seen over the weekend collecting a gritty 1-0 victory away at local foes Getafe, they have skyrocketed their way to the top of the La Liga standings.
Former Real Madrid and Everton winger Royston Drenthe is in hospital after suffering a stroke. The 38-year-old ex-Netherlands international was admitted to hospital on Friday. The news was announced by FC de Rebellen, an agency which represents former footballers including Drenthe. A statement read: "Last Friday, Royston Drenthe suffered a stroke. "Drenthe is currently receiving good care and is in good hands. The team and those involved hope for a speedy recovery."
Jude Bellingham is one of England's premier players but has struggled for prominence at Real Madrid after returning from shoulder surgery in mid-September. He has started only once since his return, with Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono preferred by manager Xabi Alonso. And this supposed lack of prominence could open the door to a return to England.
I don't know. It hasn't happened in the past; I made other choices. Juve is always close to my heart. They gave me so much when I first got there. In terms of the future, I don't know. My feeling is that I want to be able to coach the national team in the future, even though I don't mean right now. I would like to one day, but we'll see.
Despite Madrid's name being associated with Upamecano, especially in Germany, the truth is that Real Madrid consider their option to sign him to be very remote and unviable . Firstly, because at Chamartín they believe the player wants to renew with Bayern, but is interested in having big names associated with him so he can get more money, something that already happened with Davies.
Dean Huijsen has an injury and has withdrawn from the National Team squad to play the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia in Elche and Bulgaria in Valladolid. The Real Madrid defender arrived with symptoms of muscle fatigue on Monday night. On Tuesday he did not train and his club was informed that the evolution was not positive, and on Wednesday morning he underwent a medical test that confirms a muscle injury of which Real Madrid has already been informed. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Real Madrid already boast one of the most fearsome attacks in world football - but the 15-time European champions are keen to further bolster their frontline with another big name. Superstar forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have plundered a combined 19 goals for the Spanish giants in the opening 10 matches of the season, helping the LaLiga club to nine wins.
Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. According to Sky Germany, the Bavarians have "strong" interest in the centre-back, whom they were already tracking in 2022 when he moved from Freiburg to Dortmund. Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that if an opportunity arises to sign Schlotterbeck in 2026, "Bayern will be there."
Florian Wirtz's move to Liverpool was billed as a major statement of intent, a top young talent recruited to add creativity to the team. Yet, less than ideal early returns in the Premier League have opened a window for speculation, and reports out of Spain suggest Xabi Alonso is quietly monitoring Wirtz's situation, according to Defensa Central. Wirtz arrived at Anfield with a reputation forged at Bayer Leverkusen, a technically gifted playmaker who thrived under Xabi Alonso's coaching at the Werkself, helping deliver domestic silverware and a deep European run.