Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos want Liverpool ace, club eyeing two defenders, and more - September 22, 2024
Real Madrid secured a 4-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday, September 21, in La Liga. Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Kylian Mbappe got on the scoresheet to help Carlo Ancelotti's team pick up all three points at home.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on a Liverpool fullback. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants are interested in two defenders.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 22, 2024.
Real Madrid want Trent Alexander-Arnold, says journalist
Real Madrid have retained an interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The English right-back is in the final year of his contract with Liverpool and hasn't agreed to a renewal yet.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu also expires at the end of this season. Recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos have identified Alexander-Arnold as the veteran Spaniard's successor.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto also added that the La Liga giants are eager to extend Carvajal's stay.
“The truth is that we’re not a huge amount further on from where we were than when we broke the news in March. Real Madrid continue to be very interested in him. They are keen on renewing Dani Carvajal, and if nothing goes wrong, he will extend his contract,” wrote Moretto
He continued:
"He is still a key piece of the dressing room, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold, the opportunity to potentially bring in a player of his quality on a free is too good to miss. He remains very, very highly regarded by Los Blancos.”
Moretto added that Real Madrid are yet to make an official offer for Alexander-Arnold.
“Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold know each other very well. Real Madrid have not made an official offer to his agents or anything like that, and the truth is Liverpool have not got that far either. Before they make a financial offer, their talks with Alexander-Arnold’s camp will focus on deciding whether he wants to stay at the club or not, and then negotiate on finances,” wrote Moretto.
The 25-year-old rose through the ranks at Anfield and has appeared 316 times for the Merseyside club.
Los Blancos eyeing two defenders
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on two defenders at the moment, according to AS. Los Blancos missed out on Leny Yoro this summer, with Manchester United winning the race for the Frenchman.
The La Liga giants are looking for a new long-term partner for Eder Militao, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30. Real Madrid are a little short at the back following Nacho Fernandez's exit at the end of last season.
They have identified Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis as an option. The 18-year-old has already earned rave reviews with the Brazilian club so far and has expressed a desire to move to Europe. However, his contract with Palmeiras runs until 2028 and he has a €100m release clause.
Valencia defender Yarek Gasiorowski is another name on Los Blancos' radar. The Spaniard caught the eye with the La Roja Under-19 team in their triumphant run at the Under-19 European Championship this summer.
The 19-year-old has a €45m release clause in his contract. However, Valencia's strained relationship with Real Madrid could pose a threat to the move.
Saudi Arabia retain interest in top stars, says Saudi League CEO
Saudi Professional League CEO Omar Mugharbel has hinted that they will continue to pursue the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar reportedly ignored a massive contract proposal from the Middle East to move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
There were also reports that Vinicius turned down a lucrative deal to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. Many football stars have opted to move to the Middle East in recent years on big-money deals.
Speaking to El Espanol, Mugharbel insisted that the trend is likely to continue.
“The idea is to continue signing stars, and I believe that everything is possible. We have made the impossible possible. You never know what can happen. I think we will continue with that same momentum in the future. So you never know what we can see in the next transfer market," said Mugharbel.
He continued:
“I think having players of this quality, having teams developing and becoming more competitive really makes the Saudi Pro League a valid option for anyone, regardless of age. It won’t be surprising to see any name in the Saudi League. Honestly, this makes us very proud as a league and as a country. And it’s a key element for us to continue moving forward."
The trend of moving to the Middle East picked up pace with Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr in December 2022.