Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos retain Erling Haaland interest, Saudi Arabia eyeing Vinicius Junior, and more - October 31, 2024
Real Madrid are looking ahead to their upcoming trip to the Mestalla to face Valencia in LaLiga on Saturday, November 2. Carlo Ancelotti's team will be eager to return to winning ways after the 4-0 drubbing at home last weekend at the hands of Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos haven't given up on Erling Haaland at the moment. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia are plotting to prise Vinicius Junior away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 31, 2024.
Real Madrid retain Erling Haaland interest
Real Madrid have retained their interest in Erling Haaland, according to SPORT. The Norwegian has emerged as one of the finest strikers in the world in recent campaigns.
Los Blancos reportedly had their eyes on Haaland during his time with Borussia Dortmund. However, the 24-year-old reportedly opted for a move to Manchester City in 2022 because of the presence of Karim Benzema at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With the LaLiga champions now actively on the hunt for a new No. 9, Haaland's name has been doing the rounds once again. The player remains open to a move to Real Madrid, although the transfer could depend on various factors.
His price tag will be an issue, with Los Blancos unlikely to go overboard for his services. There's reportedly a release clause in the player's contract that could suit the club.
The LaLiga giants are apparently hoping that the ongoing FFP investigations against Manchester City could come to their rescue. Should City get sanctioned, they could be forced to sell their best players. That could pave the path for Erling Haaland's move to Real Madrid in 2025.
Saudi Arabia eyeing Vinicius Junior
Saudi Arabian clubs are hoping to use the Ballon d'Or snub to prise Vinicius Junior away from Real Madrid, according to SPORT. The Brazilian was already wanted in the Middle East in the summer and apparently turned down a massive offer to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, the frustrations of missing out on the Ballon d'Or could force the player to consider a move in 2025. Vinicius finished second behind Rodri in the rankings, even though he was previously named as an overwhelming favorite for the coveted prize.
Saudi Arabia's offer of a five-year contract worth €1bn is still on the table for the 24-year-old to consider. With Vinicius also regularly facing racism during games in Spain, he could be tempted to move to the Middle East.
Los Blancos receive Alphonso Davies boost
Manchester United have identified Ben Chilwell as an alternative to Alphonso Davies, according to Caught Offside. The Canadian speedster's contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this season and he is likely to leave next summer.
Real Madrid are monitoring his situation with interest and want Davies at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025. However, recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are working to ruin their plans.
The Premier League giants have suffered due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and a new left-back is now an urgent need. However, Manchester United are wary of Davies' €12m per year wage demands and believe Chelsea's Chilwell could be a more realistic target. That could open the door for Los Blancos to win the race for the 23-year-old in 2025.