Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Manchester United star, club want Jarrad Branthwaite, and more - September 29, 2024
Real Madrid travel to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Sunday, September 29, to face arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game on an undefeated run this season.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Manchester United full-back. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions have set their sights on Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 29, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Diogo Dalot
Real Madrid have turned their attention to Diogo Dalot, according to Fichajes. Los Blancos are in the market for a new right-back, as they look to lay down succession plans for Dani Carvajal.
The Spanish full-back is already on the wrong side of 30 and the La Liga champions have apparently identified Trent-Alexander Arnold as his eventual replacement. The Englishman has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and hasn't agreed a new deal yet.
Real Madrid are planning to prise him away on a Bosman move at the end of this season. However, the Reds are pushing to tie their prized asset down to a new deal, which has prompted the Spanish giants to consider alternatives. Dalot has popped up on their radar.
The Portuguese has been quite impressive for Manchester United in recent times and has been identified as a right fit at the Santiago Bernabeu. His attacking adventure and defensive solidity, coupled with his age, have enticed the club hierarchy.
However, the 25-year-old is under contract with the Red Devils until 2028 and is also a key part of Erik ten Hag's plans. As such, securing his services won't be easy.
Los Blancos want Jarrad Branthwaite
Real Madrid have added Jarrad Branthwaite to their wish list, according to HITC. Los Blancos are considering defensive reinforcements for 2025 and had initially identified Cristiano Romero and William Saliba as options.
However, Tottenham Hotspur have no desire to let the Argentine leave next year. Saliba, incidentally, is also indispensable for Arsenal and the Gunners are unlikely to entertain offers for their prized asset either.
The situation has prompted the La Liga giants to keep other options ready and they have turned to Branthwaite. The English defender was wanted by Manchester United this summer, but they apparently balked at Everton's steep asking price.
The Red Devils could return for the 22-year-old in January, despite already investing in their backline this year. However, they could face competition from Real Madrid for Branthwaite's signature. Interestingly, the two clubs also battled for Leny Yoro this summer, but the Premier League giants ended up winning that race.
Nico Paz open to Santiago Bernabeu return
Nico Paz has expressed a desire to return to Real Madrid in the future. The Argentinean midfielder left the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to move to Como and has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Lombardy.
The 20-year-old has appeared four times for the Serie A side, including two starts and has registered two assists. His efforts have sparked talks about a possible return to his alma mater.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Paz insisted that he remains focused at Como.
“A future at Real Madrid? I hope so. But now I’m with Como and I will give my all. When Kroos retired, he came and told me to keep fighting, that I had to find my place, that he believed in me and that is a good memory that I took with me,” said Paz.
He continued:
“Ancelotti was happy for me after the goal against Napoli. He knew what it meant to me. He is someone who knows where to put you and asks a lot of you. He knows how to get the most out of his players. He told me to show personality with the ball and to be calm.”
The Argentine rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu and Real Madrid reportedly have a 50 percent sell-on clause, as well as a buyback option, in his deal.