Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos suffer Florian Wirtz blow, Carlo Ancelotti wants Dani Ceballos stay, and more - December 16, 2024
Real Madrid are currently third in the LaLiga table after 17 games, a point behind leaders Barcelona who have played a game more. Los Blancos next face Mexican club F.C. Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday, December 18.
Meanwhile, the Spanish champions have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Florian Wirtz. Elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Dani Ceballos to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 16, 2024.
Real Madrid suffer Florian Wirtz blow
Florian Wirtz has decided not to leave Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, according to German outlet Kicker. The 21-year-old is reportedly a priority target for Real Madrid, who are looking to add more quality to their midfield next year.
The LaLiga giants bid adieu to Toni Kroos this summer, with the German legend deciding to hang up his boots. Meanwhile, Luka Modric is also in the final lap of his career and his contract expires at the end of this season.
Los Blancos have reportedly identified Wirtz as a candidate to fill the Croatian's shoes at the Santiago Bernabeu. The German has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso and is highly rated in the European circuit.
The player's contract expires in 2027 and Real Madrid are preparing to break the bank for his signature at the end of this season. However, it now appears that Wirtz has no desire to leave the BayArena at the moment.
Carlo Ancelotti wants Dani Ceballos stay
Carlo Ancelotti wants Dani Ceballos to stay at Real Madrid, according to Fichajes. The Spanish midfielder has clawed his way back into the starting XI of late and is one of the club's most improved players.
Ceballos has previously struggled for game time with Los Blancos and was linked with an exit from the club in January. However, his recent performances have earned the trust of the Italian manager.
With much of the season still left and the LaLiga giants also suffering with injuries, Ancelotti wants the club to hang on to Ceballos. As such, Real Madrid will not consider his departure at the moment.
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on his future
Trent Alexander-Arnold has refused to divulge details about his contract renewal talks with Liverpool. The Englishman's future at Anfield remains the talk of the town, with his contract set to expire next summer.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are hoping to sign the player on a Bosman move at the end of this season. With the Reds no closer to tying him down to a new deal, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu could become a reality in 2025.
Speaking to Sky Sport, the 26-year-old remained coy about his future.
"I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either,” said Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold has registered four assists from 19 games across competitions under Arne Slot this season.