Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Serie A ace, Andriy Lunin wants to leave, and more - June 8, 2024
Real Madrid are already preparing for the new season following a blockbuster campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager won the La Liga title, the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana in the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Serie A midfielder. Elsewhere, Andriy Lunin wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from June 8, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Nicolo Barella
Real Madrid have identified Nicolo Barella as a possible replacement for Toni Kroos, according to Mundo Deportivo. The German midfielder has already played his last game for the club, and will retire at the end of Euro 2024. Carlo Ancelotti was previously not expected to target midfield reinforcements this summer.
However, Kroos' decision has caused a change in plans. With Luka Modric also in the final phase of his career, a new midfielder has fast emerged as a priority at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos have identified Barella as the perfect candidate to replace the legendary German.
The Italian midfielder enjoyed another fruitful run with Inter Milan in the 2023/24 campaign, helping them win the Serie A title. Barella ended the campaign with two goals and seven assists from 48 appearances and has forced Ancelotti to take note. The 27-year-old is under contract with the Italian champions until 2026, and is expected to cost around €80m.
The La Liga giants are unlikely to break the bank for Barella this summer. They could instead return for him next year, when he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Andriy Lunin wants to leave
Andriy Lunin is considering an exit from Real Madrid this summer, according to SPORT. The Ukrainian goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign, covering admirably for Thibaut Courtois. Lunin appeared 31 times across competitions for Los Blancos, registering 12 clean sheets.
However, he was relegated to the bench once the Belgian goalkeeper returned to full fitness. Lunin also missed out on a place in the starting XI for the Champions League final. The 25-year-old is understandably frustrated by the situation and is aware that he could struggle for game time once again next season.
Lunin's contract expires at the end of next season and he is now considering his options. Manchester United are apparently keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to prise him away.
Toni Kroos set to take up coaching role at Santiago Bernabeu
Toni Kroos has revealed that he will take up a coaching role with Real Madrid's youth team this year. The German midfielder is among the greatest players of his generation and was indispensable for Los Blancos in the 2023/24 campaign.
However, he shocked the world last month by announcing his decision to retire at the end of Euro 2024. The 34-year-old appeared 48 times across competitions in his final season at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring one goal and setting up 10 more.
Speaking while on international duty, as cited by AS, Kroos said that he will start a new chapter of his life with the La Liga champions' academy.
“Mainly with my family. I will continue with the podcast with my brother Felix. And I will work in the Real Madrid academy. Starting in September, the Icon League (a new futsal tournament) will also begin. But it is also clear that I am not going to get involved in 18 projects now to become as busy as when I was an active player,” said Kroos.
When asked to shed light on his decision to retire, Kroos stated that he wanted to go out at the top of his game.
“Because I simply want to be remembered as the 34-year-old Toni Kroos who played his best season for Real Madrid at the end. I did it. I consider it a compliment that many people think that the moment has come too soon.”
Kroos spent 10 seasons with Real Madrid, registering 28 goals and 99 assists from 465 appearances.