Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing French ace, club end Antonio Silva pursuit, and more - December 22, 2024
Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, December 22, in LaLiga. Carlo Ancelotti's team are third in the league table after 17 games, but can climb up to second with a win.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a veteran French midfielder. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions have ended their pursuit of Benfica defender Antonio Silva.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 22, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing N'Golo Kante
Real Madrid are planning to move for N'Golo Kante to solve their midfield conundrum, according to Real Madrid Confidential. The French midfielder is currently plying his trade in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad.
Kante has tremendous experience under his belt, having won the Premier League, the Champions League as well as the FIFA World Cup during his career. The 33-year-old apparently wants to return to Europe, prompting links with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are sweating on the future of Aurelien Tchouameni, who has blown hot and cold this season. Meanwhile, the club are yet to replace Toni Kroos, who left this summer. Finally, Luka Modric is in the final year of his contract and will turn 40 next September.
The situation has prompted the LaLiga champions to consider midfield reinforcements and N'Golo Kante has emerged as an option. However, prising him away won't be easy, as he is under contract until 2026. Al-Ittihad are likely to demand a fair fee to let him go, which could complicate matters.
Los Blancos end Antonio Silva pursuit
Real Madrid have pulled the plug in their pursuit of Antonio Silva, according to Fichajes.net. The Spanish champions are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements amid a series of injuries at the back.
Eder Militao recently picked up an ACL injury, while David Alaba is yet to return from a similar issue sustained last year. The situation has linked the club with multiple defenders in recent times, including Aymeric Laporte, Castello Lukeba and Vitor Reis.
Silva is apparently a long-term target for the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy as well, but the club have now decided to leave the race, owing to the finances involved. The Portuguese defender is under contract with Benfica until 2027, and is reportedly set to cost above €75m.
Los Blancos have no desire to pay such an exorbitant fee and will focus on alternate targets instead. Manchester United are apparently hot on the 21-year-old's heels at the moment.
Real Madrid ready to pay €30m for Theo Hernandez
Real Madrid have identified Theo Hernandez as a possible alternative to Alphonso Davies, according to Fichajes.net. The LaLiga champions are looking for a new left-back and have their eyes on the Canadian.
However, recent reports have suggested that Davies, whose contract expires in just over six months, could sign a new deal with Bayern Munich. The situation has prompted the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy to keep their options open and they have zeroed in on Hernandez.
The Frenchman's contract with AC Milan runs out in 2026 and he is likely to cost €50m. However, Los Blancos are ready to offer €30m to prise the player away in the winter. They are even willing to wait until the summer to get a deal done if required.