Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos favorites for Lille star, English duo eyeing Turkish ace, and more - June 20, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together plans for the upcoming season following a blockbuster 2023/24 campaign. Carlo Ancelotti has already added Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to his squad, but further reinforcements are expected before the end of the summer.
Meanwhile, the Spanish champions are the favorites for a Lille defender. Elsewhere, two Premier League clubs are interested in a Turkish midfielder.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from June 20, 2024.
Real Madrid favorites for Leny Yoro
Real Madrid remain the frontrunners in the race to sign Leny Yoro, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French defender will enter the final year of his contract with Lille this summer and hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Liverpool are eyeing him with interest, while Manchester United have also been named as a suitor. Meanwhile, Los Blancos are looking for a long-term defensive partner for Eder Militao and have their eyes on the 18-year-old.
Speaking on PlayBack, Romano added that the Reds can sign Yoro only if the La Liga champions decide against a move for Yoro this summer.
"The contact between Liverpool and the agents of Leny Yoro already took place, because Liverpool wanted to confirm their interest. Now it depends on Real Madrid. Real Madrid are the big favourites, and the favourite destination of the player. So if Real Madrid want to proceed for Yoro, they remain the big favourites," said Romano.
He continued:
"Otherwise, if they decide to leave the conversation for Yoro and not sign him this summer, Liverpool will really try - alongside Paris Saint-Germain. It's not an easy one, but Liverpool for sure consider Yoro one of their targets."
Carlo Ancelotti could push for a new defender if Nacho Fernandez ends up leaving this summer.
Arsenal and Liverpool eyeing Arda Guler
Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Arda Guler, according to CaughtOffside. The Turkish midfielder arrived at Real Madrid from Fenerbahce last summer and initially struggled with injuries.
He regained his fitness in the second half of the campaign and finished the season with six goals from 12 outings. Guler has carried that form into Euro 2024, scoring a stunner in Turkey's opening game against Georgia.
His efforts have forced clubs to take note and the English duo are among a host of European sides monitoring his situation. Guler struggled for chances under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2023/24 campaign and his suitors are planning to offer him an escape route this year.
However, Los Blancos have no desire to let him go, as he is highly regarded at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 19-year-old also remains determined to fight for his place under Ancelotti, so a move is unlikely this summer.
Former player backs Jude Bellingham to become Los Blancos captain
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has backed Jude Bellingham to become a future club captain. The English midfielder arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu last summer and has been a huge hit at the club.
Bellingham finished the campaign with 23 goals and 13 assists from 42 games across competitions, establishing himself as a first-team regular. He helped the club win the league, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Casillas urged Bellingham to pick up the tricks of the trade from the senior players in the squad.
"He's made it at the most important club in the world and has shown that he's a great player and that he can be there. Now, and next year, more may be asked of him, but that's what will make him a star. He could surely be the captain of Real Madrid, of course. He has everything to form the part," said Casillas.
He continued:
"There are more experienced people at the top, but I would advise him to continue learning from the other veterans there, to continue soaking up the history of the club, and to do everything to be a great player and captain."
Bellingham's responsibilities in the team could change with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer.