Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos face Alphonso Davies competition, club eyeing Rodri, and more - October 18, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their LaLiga game against Celta Vigo on Saturday (October 19). Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the tie in second place on the league table after nine games (six wins and three draws), three points behind leaders Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos will face competition in their attempts to sign Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are planning to move for Manchester City's Rodri next summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 18, 2024.
Real Madrid face Alphonso Davies competition
Real Madrid will face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Alphonso Davies, according to SPORT. The Catalans have reportedly contacted the player's camp to discuss a possible move next summer.
The Canadian left-back, who has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich, is yet to sign a new deal. Los Blancos are already hot on his heels as they look to sign an upgrade on Ferland Mendy.
However, Barcelona are now plotting to ruin their plans, though the player's wage demands could pose a problem for the Catalans. The 23-year-old reportedly wants a €10m signing bonus to arrive on a Bosman move.
He is also looking for a significant pay package, which could further complicate matters for the Camp Nou hierarchy. Barcelona, however, remain optimistic that they can get their finances in order in time for a move.
Recent reports have suggested that the player has already agreed to join Real Madrid on a contract until 2030. However, until an official confirmation arrives, the Catalans are expected to keep pushing for the player.
Los Blancos eyeing Rodri
Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Rodri's situation at Manchester City, according to GiveMeSport. The Spanish midfielder is currently out for the season with an ACL injury.
Rodri has been indispensable for Manchester City over the past few seasons and also helped La Roja win Euro 2024 this summer. Los Blancos are entering a transition phase in midfield, with Toni Kroos already retiring this summer.
Luka Modric is also in the final phase of his career and thus the LaLiga champions are laying down succession plans. Real Madrid would love to add Rodri to their roster to continue their dominance.
However, prising him away from the Etihad won't be easy. Rodri is under contract until 2027 and reportedly earns €220,000 per week. Manchester City are apparently planning to tie him down to a new deal.
Former player warns Trent Alexander-Arnold about Santiago Bernabeu move
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold that he won't be guaranteed regular game time if he joins Real Madrid. The English right-back is in the final 12 months of his contract with Liverpool, who have struggled to tie him down to an extension.
Los Blancos are already plotting a Bosman move for Alexander-Arnold next summer. The 26-year-old has apparently been identified as the ideal successor for Dani Carvajal, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury.
However, speaking to Safest Casino Sites, Leboeuf suggested that it won't be easy to dislodge the Spanish legend from the starting XI at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold must think about that before making his choice, because if he’s to be on the bench for Real Madrid, that would be a waste. He would play maybe 20, 25 games, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is not a second choice player," Leboeuf said.
He continued:
“Ancelotti would be the first to say, okay if you come, you’re going to play but we are talking about Carvajal, who won the Champions League, La Liga, and the European Championship. I don’t like the Ballon d’Or, but I would love to see him winning the Ballon d’Or just because he’s a type of right back from our generation."
He concluded:
“So it would be fun, but I think Ancelotti made Carvajal his captain for a reason. He’s a first warrior and he needs a warrior at that position and on top of that he scores goals for Spain and for Real Madrid. So it’s going to be a tough choice for Trent Alexander-Arnold.”
Alexander-Arnold has registered 19 goals and 83 assists from 319 games across competitions for Liverpool to date.