Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Kepa wants Los Blancos move, club unlikely to sign Tottenham ace, and more - June 30, 2024
Real Madrid have gone from strength to strength under Carlo Ancelotti in recent seasons. The Italian manager is now working to further improve his squad before the start of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga is keen to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Los Blancos are unlikely to sign a Tottenham Hotspur defender this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from June 30, 2024.
Kepa Arrizabalaga wants Real Madrid move
Kepa Arrizabalaga is eager to join Real Madrid this summer, according to MARCA. The Spanish goalkeeper spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu. Initially signed to fill in for the injured Thibaut Courtois, Kepa fell behind Andriy Lunin in the pecking order as the season progressed.
The 29-year-old registered just 20 appearances across competitions, managing nine clean sheets. Kepa has returned to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell, but doesn't have a future at Stamford Bridge. The player is holding out for a return to Los Blancos this summer.
The La Liga giants are sweating on the future of Lunin, who will enter the final year of his contract next month. The Ukrainian hasn't agreed to an extension yet and could leave in search of regular game time. If the 25-year-old leaves, Real Madrid could be tempted to turn to Kepa.
Los Blancos unlikely to sign Cristian Romero, says journalist
Real Madrid are unlikely to sign Cristian Romero this summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Argentinean defender has seen his stock rise since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur in 2021.
Los Blancos are in the market for a new defender following Nacho Fernandez's decision to leave the club this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the club have their eyes on Romero.
However, speaking on The Last Word on Spurs podcast, Jacobs insisted that the La Liga giants will need a colossal bid to sign the 26-year-old.
“I give full respect to anyone saying Real Madrid want to sign Romero, it’s just not my understanding. Tottenham don’t want to lose Romero either and that’s the more important point. So, barring some insane astronomical bid, there’s very little chance that he’s going to go anywhere," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“And remember, he joined in 2021 for just over £40 million, so an astronomical bid would be up there with what Everton are valuing Jarrad Branthwaite, with what Harry Maguire went to Manchester United for from Leicester, which is £80 million."
He concluded:
“It would pretty much be a British transfer record for a defender if Tottenham were even to consider it. And even then, they might say no. So, I’m not actually aware that Real Madrid are planning anything.”
Lille starlet Leny Yoro could be a more realistic option for Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
Joselu bids farewell to Santiago Bernabeu
Joselu has confirmed that he is leaving Real Madrid. The veteran Spaniard arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu last summer on a one-year loan spell from Espanyol. The 34-year-old was an instant hit, scoring 17 goals and setting up three more from 43 games.
It was believed that Los Blancos would exercise their €1.5m option to sign Joselu permanently this summer. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Spaniard has opted to join Qatari side Al-Gharafa instead.
Confirming the news of his departure via social media, Joselu thanked the La Liga champions.
“Thank you. It is the best word and the most suitable to express everything I feel at this moment, in which emotion and nerves barely allow me to write. Thank you Real Madrid for everything you have made me feel throughout my life. Inside and outside,” wrote Joselu.
He continued:
“Thank you for what you taught me as a kid; thank you for giving me so many examples of greatness and humility at the same time. Thank you for keeping my dream alive and for making it come true. Years ago I left but I never left. I’m also leaving today but in reality, I’m staying. Thank you.”
The dual arrival of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick might have forced Joselu to leave in search of regular game time.