Real Madrid target Chelsea flop as short-term Vinicius Jr replacement

Cameron Smith

20 Nov 2023 14:16 GMT
3 min read

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Real Madrid have reportedly identified RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner as a possible short-term replacement for Vinicius Junior following the Brazilian’s injury while on international duty.

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Spanish outlet SPORT have now reported that Real Madrid are considering signing a new forward either on loan or permanently, to cope with Vinicius’ latest injury set-back, and Werner is on their wish-list.

Los Blancos lost Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad during the summer and Joselu (who joined on loan from Espanyol) is the only senior striker in the squad.

Carlo Ancelotti has been deploying a split-striker system consisting of Vinicius and Rodrygo, but those plans have been disrupted by the former’s injury.

Werner, 27, left Chelsea last summer after a poor final season at Stamford Bridge. In total, the Germany international scored just 10 goals in 56 Premier League games during his two-year stint with the Blues, and he returned to RB Leipzig in 2022.

However, he has fallen out of favour this season following the summer arrivals of Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons (loan). As a result, Leipzig are reportedly open to offloading Werner in 2024, with Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham are all keen on landing him next year, as per 90min.

Real Madrid are also said to be keen, according to reports in Spain, as they look for a solution to Vinicius’ thigh injury.

© ProShots - Real Madrid reportedly want to sign Timo Werner

How much will Real Madrid earn from Vinicius Jr and Camavinga injuries?

Although losing Vinicius and Eduardo Camavinga is a huge blow, Los Blancos will at least benefit financially due to their long-term injuries. FIFA pays compensation to any club who loses a player for longer than 28 days if they are injured while on international duty.

The first 28 days of the pair’s injuries will not earn Real Madrid any money, but they will begin to rake in the euros after that time period ends.

Madrid will be able to claim €20,548 per day for a maximum of one year. Camavinga could miss eight weeks, which would earn Los Blancos €575,344, while that figure could rise to €863,016 if the Frenchman’s time on the sidelines extends to 10 weeks.

Vinicius is expected to miss 10 weeks so that second figure is correct for the Brazilian too. As a result, Real Madrid will earn at least €1.5m through the injuries suffered by Vinicius and Camavinga.