Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: German ace backed for Los Blancos move, Rodrygo not in talks to join Liverpool, and more - October 3, 2024
Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Lille on Wednesday, October 2, in the Champions League. A Jonathan David penalty in the first half injury time ended Los Blancos' unbeaten run this season.
Meanwhile, a German midfielder has been backed to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Rodrygo is not on his way to Liverpool.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 3, 2024.
Florian Wirtz backed for Real Madrid move
Former Bayern Munich technical director Michael Reschke believes that Florian Wirtz will eventually end up at Real Madrid. The German midfielder helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal last campaign.
Wirtz registered 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 games in all competitions last season. This year, the 21-year-old has scored six goals and set up one more from nine games across competitions. His efforts have endeared him to the La Liga champions.
Los Blancos are yet to sign a proper replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired this summer. They apparently have their eyes on Wirtz for the job, although the player is also wanted at Arsenal and Barcelona, among other clubs.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Reschke also hinted that Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso could replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“My personal belief is that Wirtz will sign for Real Madrid. I think Carlo Ancelotti will be replaced by a certain Spaniard currently working in the Bundesliga and then it’s certainly possible that he will take his favourite player with him. My feeling is that everything could fall into place,” said Reschke.
Wirtz is under contract with Leverkusen until 2027 and is expected to cost around €150m.
Rodrygo Goes not in talks to join Liverpool, says Fabrizio Romano
Rodrygo Goes is not discussing a move to Liverpool, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian forward's future at Real Madrid has been subject to speculation since Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
The French superstar has forced Carlo Ancelotti to reshuffle his frontline and Rodrygo has ended up in the right forward position. He was heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City eyeing him as well. However, the Brazilian ended up staying at the Bernabeu.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the 24-year-old remains focused on Los Blancos.
“It’s difficult for me even to comment the Rodrygo and Darwin Nunez rumours, guys… I don’t even know where these links are coming from. Nunez to Atletico Madrid, Rodrygo to Liverpool… trust me, now it’s all completely quiet," wrote Romano.
“There are no negotiations or talks for these players, Nunez is completely focused on Liverpool and Atletico just spent €75m plus add-ons on Julian Alvarez two months ago. Rodrygo also extended his Real Madrid contract less than one year ago and he’s only focused on Real Madrid. That’s it, nothing more to say,” he added.
Rodrygo has registered three goals and two assists in 10 games across competitions this season.
Jhon Duran tipped to join Los Blancos
Jhon Duran could end up at Real Madrid in a few years, according to his uncle Oswaldo Duran. The Colombian striker has been exceptional for Aston Villa this season, registering six goals in nine games across competitions.
The 20-year-old stunned the world by scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night (October 2). The player's form has inadvertently seen him linked with top clubs in the continent.
Speaking to Gol Caracol, the player's uncle remained hopeful that he will end up at the Santiago Bernabeu if he leaves Villa Park.
“Jhon Jader is still a 20-year-old boy and there is a lot of room for improvement. When he plays as a starter, he will be among the top scorers in any league he plays in,” said Oswaldo Duran.
"God gave him virtues that he has to take advantage of and polish, such as his aerial game or getting behind the backs of defenders. Let’s hope that the next sale is to Real Madrid,” he added.
Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona and Arsenal have their eyes on Jhon Duran.