Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos pushing for Lille star, Dani Ceballos wants to leave, and more - July 2, 2024
Real Madrid enjoyed a superb season under Carlo Ancelotti in 2023-24, winning the league, the Champions League, and the Spanish Supercup. The Italian manager signed a new contract with the club last December until 2026 and is working to reach greater heights in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are hoping to secure the signature of a French defender by the next fortnight. Elsewhere, Dani Ceballos wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 1, 2024.
Real Madrid pushing for Leny Yoro
Real Madrid are eager to complete the signing of Leny Yoro within the next two weeks, according to AS.
The La Liga giants are expected to add more steel to their backline this summer and have had their eyes on the French defender for a while.
Yoro enjoyed an impressive campaign with Lille, appearing 44 times across competitions, including 40 starts. The player's contract with the Ligue 1 club is set to expire at the end of next season and he hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
It was previously believed that Los Blancos would prefer to sign the 18-year-old next year on a Bosman deal. However, Nacho Fernandez's departure has forced them to consider a move this summer.
Lille are apparently ready to let Yoro leave but will demand €70m for his signature. However, Real Madrid are unwilling to pay such a premium fee for a player who is in the final year of his deal. They will only offer up to €40m for the Frenchman, excluding add-ons.
There's a huge demand for Yoro this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Liverpool, and Manchester United also interested in the Frenchman. The Parisians are apparently offering €60m for the teenager, but he prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are now confident that they can wrap up a deal by the middle of this month.
Dani Ceballos wants to leave
Dani Ceballos is planning to end his stay with Real Madrid this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Spanish midfielder is a peripheral figure at the Santiago Bernabeu and was starved of chances under Carlo Ancelotti last season.
Ceballos registered 27 appearances across competitions, only eight of which were starts. The 27-year-old is understandably frustrated by the situation and wants to leave in search of regular game time. Despite his recent struggles with the La Liga giants, Ceballos remains a wanted man.
However, Real Madrid want him in their squad and are trying to convince him to stay. They believe he can have a greater role in the team in the upcoming season following Toni Kroos' retirement.
Los Blancos battling Bayern Munich for Florian Wirtz
Real Madrid will face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the services of Florian Wirtz in 2025, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The German attacking midfielder has caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 21-year-old registered 18 goals and 20 assists from 49 games across competitions, helping his team win the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and have identified him as a possible replacement for Luka Modric.
The Croatian is expected to sign a one-year extension soon, but his run at the Santiago Bernabeu is likely to end next summer. The La Liga giants want to move for Wirtz in 2025, but Bayern also have their eyes on the German ace.
Barcelona are likely to be in the mix as well for the 21-year-old, who could ignite a bidding war for his services next year.