Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos closing in on Bundesliga ace, club monitoring William Saliba, and more - September 15, 2024
Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Saturday, September 14, in La Liga. Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both found the back of the net to help Carlo Ancelotti's side pick up all three points.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are very close to getting their hands on Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. Elsewhere, the reigning Spanish champions are keeping a close eye on William Saliba.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 15, 2024.
Real Madrid closing in on Alphonso Davies
Real Madrid are close to securing the services of Alphonso Davies this winter, according to AS. The Canadian speedster has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Davies was heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Los Blancos have long identified the 23-year-old as the ideal candidate for the left-back role.
They wanted the player this year but deferred their plans as the Bavarians refused to reduce their asking price. The Bundesliga giants were previously hoping to tie Davies down to a new deal, but a renewal is now highly unlikely.
As such, the La Liga champions are counting the days until January, when Davies will be free to agree to a pre-contract with potential suitors. Real Madrid could strike a verbal agreement with the Canadian at the turn of the year. Los Blancos only have to negotiate terms of a signing bonus with the player, which is likely to be easier than dealing with Bayern Munich.
Los Blancos monitoring William Saliba
Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in William Saliba, according to Defensa Central. The reigning La Liga champions are looking for defensive reinforcements following Nacho Fernandez's exit this summer.
Los Blancos initially wanted to sign Leny Yoro to take the Spaniard's place in the squad. However, their refusal to match Lille's asking price saw them lose out on the Frenchman. The 18-year-old joined Manchester United instead, forcing Real Madrid to turn back to the market.
They have now identified Saliba as a possible alternative. Los Blancos chief scout Juni Calafat was supposed to be present at the North London Derby on Sunday to watch the Arsenal man.
Interestingly, the La Liga giants also have their eyes on Cristian Romero, who has been outstanding for Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina of late. However, prising them away from their respective clubs won't be an easy task.
Both players are under contract until 2027 and are key figures in their teams. They could cost more than €100m, but Real Madrid have shown that they are willing to break the bank for the right candidate.
Andriy Lunin delighted to sign a new deal
Andriy Lunin has expressed his delight at signing a new deal with Real Madrid. The Ukrainian goalkeeper's previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season and he was on the radar of multiple clubs in Europe.
Lunin was outstanding for Los Blancos last season, registering 12 clean sheets from 31 games in the absence of Thibaut Courtois. However, with the Belgian back fit, the 25-year-old has been relegated to the bench.
The situation added to speculation regarding his future over the summer. However, Lunin opted to continue his stay with the La Liga champions and has now signed a six-year deal until 2030.
Speaking to Real Madrid's media, the Ukrainian insisted that he feels comfortable at the club.
“I am very happy to be at the best club in the world for more years. From day one, the club has made me feel at home. I feel very comfortable, very well and this is the best place for my professional and personal development,” Lunin said.
He continued:
"The 2023/24 season was the one in which I played the most games and won three titles. It was unforgettable, important and a reward for the work done. I’m enjoying the day-to-day. I always try to improve in every aspect, to continue in the same line, but there is a lot of work ahead of me.”
Lunin's efforts have seen him included in the Ballon d'Or shortlist this year.