Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Bayern Munich prodigy, club suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow, and more - October 30, 2024
Real Madrid are second in the LaLiga table after 11 games, six points behind leaders Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti's team will next face Valencia at the Mestalla on Saturday, November 2.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on a Bayern Munich teenage sensation. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 30, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Lennart Karl
Real Madrid have set their sights on Lennart Karl, according to journalist Kerry Hau. Los Blancos are always on the lookout for the next big thing in the world of football and have now identified the German prodigy as a target.
Karl has been with Bayern Munich since 2022 and has climbed steadily up the ranks in recent times. The 16-year-old is a regular for the Bavarians' Under-17 team and has 19 goals and eight assists from 11 games in the U-17 league this season.
His efforts have caused a stir across Europe and forced the LaLiga giants to take note. Karl is under contract with the German giants until 2026 and is highly regarded at the club.
Bayern Munich are already planning to promote him to the Under-19 team, but Real Madrid have other ideas. The Spanish champions are likely to keep him under close watch for now, with Ajax also eyeing the player with interest.
Los Blancos suffer Trent Alexander-Arnold blow
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have hinted at a possible stay at Liverpool. The Englishman's contract at Anfield expires at the end of this season and is yet to sign a new deal.
Real Madrid are apparently working to sign him on a Bosman move next summer. Los Blancos want the 26-year-old to aid in their succession plans for Dani Carvajal, who is already on the wrong side of 30.
In a recent conversation with beIN Sports, Alexander-Arnold spoke fondly about his time at Anfield.
“It’s the same as what I felt when I was six and first pulled the shirt on – it means everything. It’s a privilege, it’s an honour, I know how many people wish they were in my position, and I don’t take that for granted. It’s something I worked really hard for, I embrace and I love it, and it’s something I enjoy doing," said Alexander-Arnold.
“It’s been over 300 [appearances] in first-team football. Most of them times have ended in good results, and some haven’t – but through the good and the bad I’ve loved putting the shirt on,” he added.
The Englishman has 19 goals and 83 assists from 322 games across competitions for Liverpool, helping them win a Premier League and a Champions League among other honors.
Ballon d'Or chief reveals reason for Vinicius snub
France Football chief Vincent Garcia has claimed that Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal hurt Vinicius Junior's bid for the Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian forward lost out on the coveted prize this year, finishing second behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Vinicius was outstanding for Real Madrid last season, helping them win the league, the Champions League as well as the Supercopa de Espana. Fans have criticized the decision not to hand him the Ballon d'Or trophy.
Speaking recently, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Garcia insisted that Vinicius' bid for the Ballon d'Or was affected by his teammates.
“Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him. This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players and the judges shared their decisions between them, which benefited Rodri,” said Garcia
Bellingham finished third in the ranking, while Carvajal was fifth.