Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos want Bundesliga ace, club eyeing Adrien Rabiot, and more - July 21, 2024
Real Madrid have made giant strides under Carlo Ancelotti's tutelage in recent times. The Italian manager is now working to add more quality to his squad to achieve more success in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have entered the race to sign a Bundesliga defender. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions want to take Adrien Rabiot to the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from July 21, 2024.
Real Madrid want Nico Schlotterbeck
Real Madrid have set their sights on Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Bild. The German defender was a key part of the Borussia Dortmund squad that reached the final of the Champions League last season.
Schlotterbeck finished the campaign with 48 appearances across competitions. He was also part of the Germany team that reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and are considering a move this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti has been forced into the market for a new defender following Nacho Fernandez's exit. The Italian manager had his eyes on Leny Yoro, but Manchester United have already secured his services.
The La Liga giants have turned to Schlotterbeck as an alternative to the Frenchman. The 24-year-old could be a fine addition to Ancelotti's squad, but prising him away won't be easy.
Dortmund already parted ways with Mats Hummels this summer, and would hate to lose another defender. Meanwhile, Schlotterbeck is under contract at the Signal Iduna Park until 2027, so the club are under no pressure to let him go.
Los Blancos eyeing Adrien Rabiot
Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in Adrien Rabiot, according to Caught Offside. The French midfielder is a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Juventus.
The player's agent is in talks with multiple clubs at the moment, including Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti could be in the market for a new midfielder this summer following Toni Kroos' exit.
Although Luka Modric has signed a one-year extension, there are doubts regarding Dani Ceballos' continuity at the Santiago Bernabeu. Rabiot is an established face in the European circuit and his availability as a free agent will certainly be an enticing factor for the La Liga champions.
However, the player is not short of options, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona also in the race. The player wants a three-year deal worth €10-15m per year and would prefer to move to the Premier League.
Lucas Vazquez opens up on renewal
Lucas Vazquez has insisted that Real Madrid remains his home after committing his future at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish utility man, who has covered admirably over the years for Dani Carvajal at right-back, recently signed a one-year extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vazquez's previous contract had expired last month, but the player was always keen to stay. The 33-year-old registered 38 appearances across competitions last season, scoring three goals and setting up eight more.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Vazquez added that he is living his dream with Los Blancos.
“It’s something I was hoping for and it makes me so happy and motivated. Playing here is special and I’ll be able to tell my kids about it for years to come. Real Madrid is my home, it’s where I have been since I was 16 years old. I’ve been here for over half my life. It has helped me grow as a person and as a footballer," said Vazquez.
He continued:
“It’s a hugely important part of my life. I feel proud of the fact I’ve never wavered from my desire to achieve my childhood dream, which was to play for the first team at Real Madrid.”
With Nacho Fernandez gone, Vazquez is likely to be among the four captains at the club. The player went on to speak with pride about the responsibility of guiding the team.
“It’s beautiful (being one of the captains), really special. To be among that group of four captains helps to consolidate all the years I’ve been in the squad. I’m going to try and help the team continue on this winning streak,” said Vazquez.
Luka Modric has been officially handed the armband at the Santiago Bernabeu.