Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos identify Leny Yoro alternative, German ace wanted in Middle East, and more - July 14, 2024
Real Madrid have already welcomed Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to their roster ahead of the new season. Carlo Ancelotti is now working on further reinforcements to sustain his team's recent dominance in club football.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have identified a Portuguese defender as a possible alternative to Leny Yoro. Elsewhere, a German defender is wanted in the Middle East this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 14, 2024.
Real Madrid identify Leny Yoro alternative
Real Madrid have identified Diogo Leite as a possible alternative to Leny Yoro, according to Mundo Deportivo. The La Liga giants are considering defensive reinforcements this summer following Nacho Fernandez's exit.
Carlo Ancelotti has identified Leny Yoro as the ideal candidate for the job. Los Blancos have recently altered their transfer strategy to target talented young footballers, and the 18-year-old certainly fits the bill.
Yoro was exceptional for Lille last season, showing maturity beyond his years and establishing himself as a first-team regular. The Frenchman appeared 44 times across competitions, all but four of which were starts. The player's contract with the Ligue 1 club expires next summer but he hasn't agreed to an extension.
Real Madrid are eager to sign Yoro this year, but will not match Lille's exorbitant asking price. Manchester United have complicated matters by entering the scene and reportedly agreeing a deal with the French club for their prized asset.
Yoro prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but the Red Devils are apparently trying to convince him to move to Old Trafford instead. The situation has forced the La Liga champions to consider their options, and Leite has popped up on their radar.
The 25-year-old was quietly impressive for Union Berlin last season, registering 40 appearances across competitions, 39 of which were from the start. The Portuguese was linked with Los Blancos in January as a cover for the injured David Alaba. He could be an option for Ancelotti if they ultimately miss out on Yoro.
Antonio Rudiger wanted in Middle East
Antonio Rudiger has received offers to move to the Middle East this summer, according to Sky Sport Germany. The German defender remains a key operator for Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Last season, Rudiger appeared 48 times across competitions for Los Blancos, helping deal with the injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba. The La Liga champions are currently in the market for a new defender, but the 31-year-old is expected to retain his importance next season.
However, Rudiger has the option to become the highest-paid defender in the world this summer. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal both have their eyes on the German and have already tabled contracts with exorbitant wages for the player.
The 31-year-old, however, has no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia just yet. He is under contract with Real Madrid until 2026 and wants to continue his association with the club.
Los Blancos retain Alphonso Davies interest
Real Madrid remain interested in Alphonso Davies this summer, according to journalist Rodra P. The Canadian speedster is a long-term target for Los Blancos, who have a golden opportunity to secure his services this summer.
Davies has entered the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich, and talks for an extension haven't been fruitful so far. The Bavarians remain keen to hold on to their prized asset, although they are running out of time to get a deal done.
The La Liga giants are hoping to sign the 23-year-old this summer for a reduced fee. They have failed to strike a deal with the Bundesliga giants so far, although Bayern could soften their stance as the summer progresses. Real Madrid would prefer to sign the player this summer but are also willing to wait and lap him up for free next year.
Meanwhile, Ferland Mendy's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in 2025 as well. The club's pursuit of Davies has understandably raised questions about the Frenchman's future.
However, Carlo Ancelotti holds the player in high regard and wants him to continue. The Spanish champions are already locked in talks for a renewal, although the player has rejected their opening offer. However, negotiations are ongoing and a breakthrough is expected soon.