Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos identify new manager, club want Liverpool ace in January, and more - November 8, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their LaLiga tie against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday (November 9). Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game on a run of two back-to-back home defeats against Barcelona and AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are eyeing a former manager as Ancelotti's successor. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are planning a move for a Liverpool defender in January.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from November 8, 2024.
Real Madrid identify new manager
Real Madrid have identified Zinedine Zidane as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, according to SPORT. The Italian manager is under pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu following an indifferent start to the new campaign.
Los Blancos strengthened their squad this summer by roping in long-term target Kylian Mbappe on a Bosman move. The LaLiga giants also welcomed talented Brazilian teenager Endrick to their roster.
The team have failed to dominate so far this season. Back-to-back home defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan have only compounded matters for Ancelotti.
The Italian manager's tactics have been questioned this season, as has been his inability to get the best out of Mbappe. Ancelotti's reluctance to trust Endrick and Arda Guler has also received criticism.
Real Madrid are not ready to push the panic button just yet but are keeping their options ready. They have Zidane on their radar, with the Frenchman yet to pick up his next assignment since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.
Zidane enjoyed two impressive stints (2016-18 and 2019-21) with Los Blancos, winning 11 trophies. Should Carlo Ancelotti fail to turn things around soon, the LaLiga giants could turn to the Frenchman. Current Juvenil A head coach Alvaro Arbeloa is apparently an option as well.
Los Blancos want Trent Alexander-Arnold in January
Real Madrid want to take Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Santiago Bernabeu at the turn of the year, according to Fichajes.net. Los Blancos' season hasn't gone according to plans so far.
The reigning champions are already nine points behind current league leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are 18th on the Champions League table, with two wins and two defeats from four games.
Los Blancos are planning to use the winter transfer window to address the situation. The right-back position remains an area of concern following Dani Carvajal's ACL injury.
The Spaniard isn't expected to play again this season and his absence has hurt the team so far. The club have already identified Alexander-Arnold as his successor but are no longer willing to wait for him until the summer.
The English right-back will enter the final six months of his contract with Liverpool in January. The Reds could be tempted to let him go for a nominal fee at the turn of the year.
Real Madrid ready to offload Aurelien Tchouameni
Real Madrid are ready to cash in on Aurelien Tchouameni at the end of this season, according to Fichajes.net. Los Blancos have apparently run out of patience with the Frenchman and want to offload him next summer.
Liverpool are eyeing the situation with interest. Tchouameni is a long-term target for the Anfield hierarchy. Despite his recent struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 24-year-old's stock remains high.
The Reds are looking to upgrade their midfield next year, after missing out on Martin Zubimendi this summer. Tchouameni could be an interesting choice for the position.
The Frenchman has appeared 103 times (three goals and five assists) for the LaLiga giants to date and is under contract until 2028. As such, he is unlikely to come cheap.