Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Andriy Lunin wants to stay, Los Blancos in touch with Lille ace, and more - July 13, 2024
Real Madrid secured the La Liga title last season, finishing 10 points ahead of bitter rivals Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti's team also won the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana.
Meanwhile, Andriy Lunin has expressed his desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Los Blancos have recently initiated contact to sign a Lille defender.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 12, 2024.
Andriy Lunin wants to stay at Real Madrid
Andriy Lunin has insisted that the final decision on his future rests in the hands of Real Madrid. The Ukrainian goalkeeper's contract with Los Blancos expires in a year and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Recent reports have suggested that the La Liga giants are keen to keep Lunin at the club following his heroics in the 2023-24 campaign. The 25-year-old superbly filled in for Thibaut Courtois, who missed almost the entire season with injury.
However, Lunin remains behind the Belgian in the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti and is itching for first-team action. Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are interested in the Ukrainian.
However, speaking to MARCA, the 25-year-old insisted he wants to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Obviously [I want to stay]. But well, the only thing I can say is that everything went well with Madrid and now it’s in Madrid’s hands. That’s what I can say about my future. I don’t know what’s going to happen either. Instead of starting when it’s my turn because of the holidays, I’ll start on Monday the 15th," said Lunin.
“I want to be with the team from the first day because that’s what I want. If I didn’t want to be here I would have taken the whole holiday, but I want to come back now and continue because I’m in the best team in the world," he added.
Real Madrid reportedly have their eyes on Kepa Arrizabalaga - who spent last season on loan with Los Blancos - as a possible replacement for Lunin.
Los Blancos in touch with Leny Yoro
Real Madrid have recently been in touch with Leny Yoro's entourage to reiterate his importance to their plans, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French defender is a wanted man this summer and is also being heavily courted by Manchester United.
Los Blancos are also in the market for a new defender and have Yoro on their wishlist. The La Liga champions have been thrust into action following Nacho Fernandez's decision to end his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Yoro has been identified as the perfect replacement for the veteran defender. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Lille, making 44 times across competition and providing three assists.
However, his contract with the Ligue 1 club expires in 2025 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. Real Madrid are eager to get their hands on the teenager, but won't match Lille's exorbitant asking price.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have reportedly struck a deal with Lille for their prized asset and are trying to convince Yoro to move to Old Trafford. However, the player apparently has his heart set on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid would like to sign the player this summer for a reduced fee but are willing to wait for him to become a free agent next year.
Rodri opens up on his future amid Real Madrid links
Rodri has remained coy about his future following the recent links with Real Madrid. Dani Carvajal sent the rumor mill into overdrive by expressing a desire to see his compatriot at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodri has been key to Manchester City's recent rise and is among the finest in his position in the world. The defensive midfielder has been equally decisive for Spain, helping them reach the Euro 2024 final.
Los Blancos are in the market for a new midfielder and Rodri could be a fine choice. With Toni Kroos retiring and Luka Modric in the final phase of his career, the Spanish enforcer could be a fantastic addition to the La Liga champions' team.
However, speaking AS, Rodri insisted that he remains settled at the Etihad.
"I try to analyse all the decisions I make, to have a criterion. And, above all, I try to make processes. I’m very, very happy in England. I think I’m at one of the best clubs in the world, it’s obvious, and I’m happy. I have a three-year deal and, when the time comes, I will see,” said Rodri.
But the 28-year-old kept the door open for a future return to Spain.
“But I’ve said it before with regard to the short term. I don’t like it or it doesn’t make much sense to look at the long term. Spain is my country, Madrid my city, at home,” said Rodri.
“And well, when I went to Manchester, I remember a conversation I had with my parents in which they asked me if I was sure because I was going to another country, another culture. And, in the end, one is happy when one is sure of things. If I go back, it would be with conviction,” he added.
Real Madrid have shifted to a youth-centric transfer policy of late and as such, a move for Rodri appears unlikely.