Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos advised to sign Erling Haaland, Ferland Mendy agrees to extension, and more - September 17, 2024
Real Madrid welcome VfB Stuttgart to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (September 17) for their opening group-stage game of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's team have won four of their first six games this season and will be aiming to start their European campaign with a win.
Meanwhile, a former player has advised Los Blancos to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Elsewhere, Ferland Mendy has agreed to extend his stay with the La Liga giants.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 17, 2024.
Real Madrid advised to sign Erling Haaland
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has advised the club to sign Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker already has admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu and is believed to be a long-term target for the club.
Haaland has taken his game to a higher level since arriving at Manchester City in the summer of 2022. The 24-year-old has registered 99 goals and 14 assists from 103 games for the Citizens so far.
His efforts have earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent. Los Blancos are also among his suitors and are yet to sign a proper No. 9 since the departure of Karim Benzema.
Speaking at the presentation of 'Five Team, Five Stars,' Guti insisted that Haaland should be the reigning La Liga champions' next target.
“I would sign Haaland. I hope he is Real Madrid’s next target,” Guti said (via Madrid Universal).
The Norwegian reportedly has admirers at Barcelona as well, but the club's poor financial situation has raised doubts about a move.
Ferland Mendy agrees to extension at Santiago Bernabeu
Ferland Mendy is ready to commit his future to Real Madrid, according to MARCA. The French left-back is in the final year of his contract and was heavily linked with an exit this summer.
However, Carlo Ancelotti admires the 29-year-old and perhaps had a role to play in his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mendy has been a key part of the Italian manager's plans in recent seasons, although his lack of attacking adventure has also prompted links with Alphonso Davies.
The Canadian speedster's contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2025 and he is yet to sign an extension. Los Blancos are apparently keeping a close eye on his situation as well, and are plotting a Bosman move next summer.
However, the La Liga champions have also opted to keep hold of Mendy. The Frenchman has been handed a three-year deal that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2027. An official confirmation is awaited.
Los Blancos monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold, says Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation at Liverpool, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English right-back has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and has not signed an extension so far.
Los Blancos are laying down succession plans for Dani Carvajal, who is already on the wrong side of 30. Alexander-Arnold has apparently been identified as an option and was also linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu over the summer.
While he ended up staying, the delay in renewal with the Merseyside club has sent the rumor mill into overdrive. The La Liga giants are keeping abreast of the developments at Anfield but Romano stops short of revealing whether there have been talks with the player's camp.