Real Madrid breaks with tradition, and fights back

Real Madrid has decided to change its approach. The club no longer wants to fuel media or social media rumors created for commercial gain, or the efforts of agents looking to benefit from linking their clients with the Spanish giants. Where it once remained silent, it now believes the best form of defense is to go on the offensive by refusing to give credibility to any speculation involving Real Madrid and potential player transfers.

There have been two official statements in recent weeks. One concerned Michael Olise and Bayern Munich, while the other involved Enzo Fernández, Chelsea and the midfielder’s agent. In both cases, Real Madrid denied having any interest in the players – current interest in the case of the France international, and both current and future interest in the Argentine.

Why has Real Madrid changed its communications policy? What is the club trying to achieve? First, it wants to maintain a respectful relationship with the clubs involved (it completed the Marc Cucurella deal with Chelsea in 48 hours) and, above all, prevent Madrid fans from building up false expectations that could later be interpreted as transfer negotiations that ultimately fell through. At Valdebebas, club officials will decide where to draw the line when they believe speculation could affect, and above all harm, the club’s interests.

Real Madrid’s executives want to establish a way of operating that is respected by everyone involved in the football industry, one that reflects only what is actually happening. They are fully committed to that approach, and that determination to command respect is directed at everyone involved, as Enzo Fernández has already discovered after responding with a cryptic message.

One thing appears clear: what is discussed at Valdebebas, much like what happens in Las Vegas, stays inside the offices at the club’s training complex. It is now club policy. It has nothing to do with José Mourinho’s arrival and everything to do with certain episodes the club experienced last season.

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