The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you’d totally go swimming with: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou (AKA KFZ), Juninho, Ezek and, of course… yours truly.
Papa Flo with the Kinder Surprise Ad
Apparently, some sources have claimed that there’s some sort of incoming surprise. I’ve been waiting for that for a few days and… oh well, nothing much is happening. Let’s see.
🚨🗣️ .@jpedrerol: "We are about to announce a surprise Real Madrid signing." pic.twitter.com/pwnZi19ISG
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) August 13, 2026
And Then… There’s This
🚨🇪🇸 EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid are nearing a deal for Martín Zubimendi!#RMFC have made contact with Zubimendi’s camp, with negotiations now advancing well. Madrid are pushing to reach an agreement for the midfielder. 🔜👀@TheATHLETIFCpic.twitter.com/Jls9Psylu8
— David ornstien (@David_ornsteine) August 13, 2026
Right… Mourinho + Bad Relations: Getting an Ominous Sense of Deja Vu Here
🚨 NEW: Real Madrid’s relationship with Barcelona has completely broken down, and as a result the club bid €150 million for Julian Alvarez.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 14, 2026
The offer was immediately rejected, but the club managed to increase the price for Julian Alvarez. @diarioaspic.twitter.com/ZrZ82nRjcD
Another Youngster Off?
Los Blancos have done SOME business with the youngsters huh? I take it this means a sort of new wave of Castilla (or under) players taking over starting this season?
🚨 BREAKING: Jacobo Ortega is CLOSE to signing with Strasbourg.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 13, 2026
It will be the MOST EXPENSIVE SALE of a Real Madrid youth player who hasn’t played with the first team.
10 MILLION EUROS. @Rodra10_97pic.twitter.com/KPCPUScj3P