Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Spanish ace, club regret Nico Paz exit, and more - October 21, 2024
Real Madrid are preparing for their upcoming Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, October 22. Carlo Ancelotti's team will head into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, October 19.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have entered the race to sign Nico Williams. Elsewhere, the LaLiga giants believe they were wrong to let Nico Paz leave this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 21, 2024.
Real Madrid eyeing Nico Williams
Real Madrid have set their sights on Nico Williams, according to journalist Paco Gonzalez. The Spanish forward was in explosive form last season for Athletic Bilbao, helping them win the Copa del Rey.
Williams ended the campaign with eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions. Over the summer, the 22-year-old helped La Roja lift the 2024 Euro title, endearing himself to clubs across the continent.
Barcelona were eager to sign the player this summer but failed to get a deal across the line. Los Blancos have now entered the fray. However, the Spanish champions are well stocked in attack, with Vinicius Junior already operating in the left-forward role.
Moreover, Real Madrid also have Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes in their squad, so a move for Williams may only be possible if they offload one of their stars.
For now, Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the Spaniard and are ready to battle Barcelona for his services in 2025.
Los Blancos regret Nico Paz exit
Real Madrid regret letting Nico Paz leave this year, according to AS. The Argentinean midfielder rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu but failed to establish himself in the first team.
Paz joined Serie A side Como this summer and has been impressive so far in Italy. The 20-year-old now has one goal and three assists from seven league games.
He recently impressed for Argentina as well, assisting one of Lionel Messi's goals in the 6-0 drubbing of Bolivia. Los Blancos now believe they made an error in letting him go, amid the recent injury woes of their first-team stars.
The LaLiga giants are keeping him under close watch and remain open regarding a possible return. Recent reports have suggested that the Argentine also desires to be back at his old hunting ground sometime in his career.
Real Madrid have a buyback clause in his deal which is likely to help in their plans.
Luka Modric opens up on setting record with Real Madrid
Luka Modric has insisted that he wants to keep going after becoming the oldest player to feature for Real Madrid this weekend. The Croatian surpassed legendary striker Ferenc Puskas to achieve the feat against Celta Vigo on Saturday when he was 39 years and 40 days old.
Modric came off the bench to assist Vinicius Junior, helping Los Blancos pick up all three points. The veteran midfielder's contract with the LaLiga giants expires at the end of this season and he is yet to sign a new deal.
Speaking after the game, as cited by Madrid Universal, Modric insisted that he wants to continue playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I don’t like being reminded about my age, but it’s really impressive. I’m very proud to have achieved this record and to continue playing for the best club in the world,” said Modric.
"It is very difficult for me to choose just one thing out of all the things that have happened to me at Real Madrid – signing for the club, winning Champions Leagues and La Liga titles and now being the oldest player with the most titles. I am happy to have achieved everything with this club, but I have to keep going,” he added.
Modric has appeared 13 times under Carlo Ancelotti this season, but only five have been starts.