Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing LaLiga ace, club suffer Xabi Alonso blow, and more - November 3, 2024
Real Madrid are looking ahead to their upcoming Champions League tie against AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, November 5. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game on the back of a 4-0 humiliation at home at the hands of Barcelona in the league.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on a defensive midfielder playing in LaLiga. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have suffered a setback in their plans to replace Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from November 3, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Martin Zubimendi
Real Madrid have identified Martin Zubimendi as a possible replacement for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Fichajes. Los Blancos are gradually losing patience with the French defender, who has not been in his element this season.
His lack of form has hurt the team, as evident in the 4-0 El Clasico defeat where Barcelona ran riot at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid are now ready to let him go next summer amid interest from the Premier League.
Should the 24-year-old leave next year, Los Blancos want Zubimendi to take his place. The Spanish defensive midfielder is one of the finest in his position.
Zubimendi could be a perfect fit for the job, while his LaLiga experience would also make him invaluable for Real Madrid. However, prising the 25-year-old away from the Reale Arena won't be easy, given that he is under contract until 2027.
Liverpool apparently wanted him this summer, but Zubimendi turned them down as he is eager to be successful with Real Sociedad.
Los Blancos suffer Xabi Alonso blow
Real Madrid have suffered a setback in their efforts to secure the services of Xabi Alonso. Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Sebastian Hoeness has confirmed that the Spanish manager will stay at the BayArena next season.
Los Blancos have reportedly identified their former player as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti next summer. The Italian manager has struggled to get the best out of a team of superstars this season and the club apparently want to bring Alonso in next year.
However, speaking to DAZN, Hoeness insisted that the Spanish manager isn't going anywhere.
“Well, I know the name Hoeness, of course. But there are so many names that have come up that there is no point in speculating about it. We have a preferred candidate for this season and we also have one for next season, and on both occasions, it is Xabi Alonso. That’s what matters,” said Hoeness.
“At the moment 100 per cent (chances of Alonso staying at BayArena next season). He has a contract and shows no signs of going in another direction. Following the coaches and players and obtaining information is still my job and that of my team, that is completely normal. But as long as there is no need…” he added.
Alonso won the league and cup double last season with Bayer Leverkusen and is under contract at the BayArena until 2026.
Liverpool want £40m for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January
According to Defensa Central, Liverpool want a massive fee to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Anfield in the middle of the season, according to Defensa Central. The English right-back's contract at Anfield expires in just over six months and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and are eyeing a Bosman move next summer. However, Dani Carvajal's recent ACL injury could accelerate their plans.
Recent reports have suggested that the LaLiga champions are considering a move for Alexander-Arnold at the turn of the year to address the situation. Los Blancos are apparently hoping that the player's contract situation will force the Merseyside club to consider a cut-price deal in January.
However, Liverpool remain determined to tie the player down to an extension and will only let him go for €50m this winter. That is likely to be a dealbreaker for Real Madrid.