Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos not in talks for Victor Osimhen, Liverpool step up Kylian Mbappe pursuit, and more - January 14, 2024
Real Madrid will travel to the Al-Awwal Stadium on Sunday (January 14) to face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Carlo Ancelotti will be eager to pick up the first silverware of the season this weekend.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are not in talks to sign Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, Liverpool have already established contact to secure the services of Kylian Mbappe.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 14, 2024.
Real Madrid not in talks for Victor Osimhen, says Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are not in talks to sign Victor Osimhen, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Nigerian has established himself as one of the finest strikers in the world at Napoli of late. Osimhen powered the Italian club to a Serie A triumph last season and remains a vital cog in the team right now. The 25-year-old recently signed a new deal with Napoli until 2026, but that hasn't ended speculation regarding his future.
A recent report from Football Transfers has stated that Los Blancos have identified Osimhen as an alternative to Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar is in the final six months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and is a long-term target for the La Liga giants. However, the uncertainties surrounding his future has reportedly forced Real Madrid to turn to the Nigerian.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that there's no breaking update on either player's future.
"Despite the rumours, Kylian Mbappé has not indicated the timing to announce his future move. His family statement confirmed last week that 'no rumours will put pressure on Kylian’s timing,' so… we have to wait. There’s absolutely nothing new on Victor Osimhen, including a move to Real Madrid instead of Mbappé. As I said many times before, nothing is happening for Osimhen in January so it’s one that we will see what happens in the summer. Nothing concrete and nothing serious now," wrote Romano.
Osimhen also has admirers in the Premier League, with recent reports linking Arsenal and Chelsea to the 25-year-old.
Liverpool step up Kylian Mbappe pursuit
Liverpool are already in touch with Kylian Mbappe regarding a possible move this summer, according to L'Equipe.
The French superstar is all set to become a free agent this summer, and the Reds are among the clubs eyeing his situation with interest. It was previously believed that Real Madrid are the frontrunners in the race. However, a recent report from journalist José Félix Díaz has stated that Los Blancos are considering their options amid a long-drawn saga.
The Reds are ready to take advantage of the situation and have set plans in motion to get their man. Jurgen Klopp is a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old and is eager to get him to Anfield. The Merseyside club are now pushing to secure Mbappe's services this summer, although a stay at PSG cannot be ruled out yet.
Nacho Fernandez relaxed about contract situation
Nacho Fernandez remains entirely relaxed about his contract situation. The Spanish defender's contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season and he hasn't been handed a new deal yet.
Nacho rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu and is now the club's longest-serving player. He has been a tidy squad option throughout his career and is also the current club captain.
Speaking recently, as cited by AS, the 33-year-old insisted that he is not worried about the future.
"I’m in a very happy moment. Things are different this year, I’m playing a lot and feel very good. I don’t have the slightest worry about my future. If tomorrow I wanted to sign again for Real Madrid, I could sign. The fact there is not a signature there already will not influence my future," said Nacho.
Nacho has appeared 339 times across competitions for the La Liga giants till date.