Zinebi signs for Castilla
Rayan Zinebi is a Real Madrid player, sort of. The 19-year-old Moroccan striker joins Castilla on a season-long loan from Granada (6). The announcement came August 20. It is a development move, not a first-team signing, and Julian López was involved in getting it done (6).
New buyer circling Endrick
The Endrick drum keeps beating. Liverpool have reportedly made their move for the Brazilian forward (4). A separate report claims a €65m late bid could still tempt Real Madrid before the market closes (8). This comes after Liverpool saw a Yankuba Minteh bid rejected (4).
Sergio Martínez deal could move Friday
Keep an eye on today. Real Madrid's chase for Sergio Martínez could take a decisive step forward this Friday (3). The day has been flagged as key in the negotiations (3).
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Asencio on his way out
Jorge Mendes is working to get Asencio a new club. Mourinho doesn't count on the centre-back, and Real Madrid want him to find a destination (1).
A loan to close the window
Real Madrid are studying a loan as a way to strengthen before the deadline (5). The clearest target area is midfield, where a new formula is still on the table (7).
Espanyol promise a fight
Your team opens the season at Espanyol Saturday night. Defender Urko González de Zárate is not backing down: 'Estoy seguro que plantaremos cara al Real Madrid' (2). He is confident Espanyol will put up a fight (2).
What you go into
Real Madrid finished last season well, beating Athletic Club 4–2 at home in May (2). Saturday's trip to Espanyol is the first fixture of the new campaign, with Real Sociedad at home next Wednesday.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are in pre-season mood in the subreddit, already sizing up the schedule and posting the annual 90-50-20 predictions thread. One supporter shared a Diomande defensive work-rate compilation, while another was hit with deja vu looking at the fixture list. The 90-50-20 thread is the liveliest, with last season's Alonso sacking as the backdrop. Check the schedule chatter here
