Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Leny Yoro wants Los Blancos move, Lucas Vazquez close to renewal, and more - May 21, 2024
Real Madrid are looking ahead to their final La Liga game of the season against Real Betis on Saturday, May 25, at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti's team have already won the league this season and are also in the Champions League final.
Meanwhile, Leny Yoro has his heart set on joining the Spanish champions. Elsewhere, Lucas Vazquez is close to signing a new deal with Los Blancos.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from May 21, 2024.
Leny Yoro wants Real Madrid move
Leny Yoro would prefer to join Real Madrid this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The French defender is a rising star in European football at the moment and his efforts with Lille have already earned him admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu. Yoro has appeared 44 times across competitions this season for the Ligue 1 club, all but four of which have been from the start.
The 18-year-old's contract with Lille runs until 2025 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The situation has generated widespread interest in his services, but Yoro has eyes only for Los Blancos this year. The Spanish champions are looking for a new defender this summer, with Nacho Fernandez set to leave. They have their eyes on Yoro, but are unwilling to match the French club's €60m price tag. Real Madrid are willing to be patient in this race and want the teenager to push for a move.
Lucas Vazquez close to renewal
Lucas Vazquez is close to signing a new deal with Real Madrid, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish utility man is in the final months of his contract and speculation is ripe regarding his next move. Vazquez has been a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad, filling in at right-back and right-wing as required. He has admirers at multiple clubs in Europe but has no desire to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 32-year-old has registered three goals and eight assists from 36 games across competitions this season. Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and have already initiated the process to extend his stay at the club. Talks have progressed well and Vazquez is now close to signing a new deal with the La Liga giants.
Former player tips Vinicius Junior for Ballon d'Or
Former Real Madrid midfielder Julio Baptista has backed Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or this year. The Brazilian forward has been in fine form again this season, registering 23 goals and 11 assists from 37 games across competitions. Vinicius played a starring goal in Los Blancos' La Liga triumph and has also been integral to the club's march to the Champions League final.
Speaking to MARCA, Baptista insisted that his countryman deserves it ahead of Jude Bellingham this year.
"He has achieved tremendous consistency in important games, and only the best do that. Ballon d’Or’? This year I have no doubt that I would give it to him. Between him and Bellingham, I think I would give it to Vini for being more of a difference-maker in the big games,” said Baptista.
Baptista also urged patience with Endrick, who will join the Spanish champions this summer.
“Real Madrid know how to handle him very well. They have had greats like Vini and Rodry, and Endrick will have their support to show him the way. We must be patient with him, because the pressure will be great. He has talent… and a lot of it,” said Baptista.
Endrick could become Karim Benzema's long-term successor at the Santiago Bernabeu.