A Word From the Author

“Mr. Juni — what was it like finally watching Mbappe play for Real Madrid?” — Kiyan Sobhani Jr.

Welcome to The Daily Merengue — a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!

Shoutout to the Mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho (the “King of Mods”).

La Liga is Back!!!

Well Not For Madrid…Yet. La Liga is finally back (for other Spanish teams and soon to be Real Madrid). Yesterday, featured some ok games with a Bilbao v. Getafe snoozfest but then a more exciting Betis v. Girona match at the Estadio Benito Villamartin. IMO today’s matches aren’t exactly highlight reel (although it may be interesting to see whether Sevilla will be back to its former glory). So let’s see here are my Gameweek 1 Must Watch Matches:

Saturday

Valencia v. Barcelona (a game where I will be forced to root for a draw or some form of cheating that leads to both teams being relegated)

Martin Odegaard v. Los Lobos (Primera Liga)

Sunday

Chelsea v. Ciudad de Manchester (Primera Liga)

Mallorca v. Real Madrid (of course)

Monday

Villareal v. Atletico Madrid (vamos Villareal)

Militao to Saudi?

Saudi. I’ve been unable to confirm the reality of this new rumor but allegedly the Saudi League is interested in buying Militao and his agent is presenting this interest to Real Madrid. I’d be surprised if this was a move for a contract renewal (unlike Vini’s) so there may be some truth behind this. However, I’d be extremely surprised if this happened in the next 15 days being that we would then need to buy I guess Laporte (which I’m not FULLY against).

Juni’s Quick Hot Militao Take. By summer 2025, we as a community are going to have a LONG conversation about how we need 2x young CBs and how Militao isn’t really THAT guy to lead our future. This isn’t a result of the ACL tear. This is more of a result of (imo) Militao (especially positionally) just seems to not have yet adopted the nuance or consistent focus to be a defensive leader. He’s of course physically gifted and can have purple patches of class performances but I just don’t yet see the poise of the most elite CBs. He’s 26 so he isn’t particularly a young-in but I guess there’s still time.

I’d be perfectly comfortable with a Militao sale this summer if Florentino can promise me the fee is greater than 70M and Laporte is purchased + a youth like Victor Reis.

A New CB Signing + Midfield Departure

Siiiiiikkkee. But Jacobo has been registered with the 1st team which imo is a good look. I was a bit disappointed when we lost Joan to his injury but both he and Jacobo are deserving of some CDR minutes when the time comes. For the crowd that has been waiting on the board / Carlo to lean on Castilla, here you go.

Aside tho — bye Mario Martin. I didn’t get the hype, but I hope you prove me wrong.

Advice for the Lil Homie(s)

“I thatch the house with reed stalks, gathered neatly in bundles. At the stone wall, they celebrate the golden house, that was built by a hundred carpenters.”

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どれも無駄だ。