Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos suffer William Saliba blow, club open to Fran Garcia exit, and more - December 9, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League game against Atalanta on Tuesday, December 10, at the Gewiss Stadium. Carlo Ancelotti's team are 24th in the league table in Europe and cannot afford to drop points against the Italian side.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign William Saliba. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants are ready to cash in on Fran Garcia in 2025.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 9, 2024.
Real Madrid suffer William Saliba blow
William Saliba has insisted that he is happy at Arsenal. The French defender has emerged as a target for Real Madrid of late.
The LaLiga giants are looking for a new defender in 2025 as they lay down succession plans for Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. Both players are on the wrong side of 30, while the Canadian also remains sidelined since 2023 with an ACL injury.
William Saliba has been a rock at the back for the Gunners of late and has admirers at multiple clubs across the continent, including Los Blancos. Real Madrid could be tempted to break the bank for the 24-year-old at the end of this season to address their backline once and for all.
However, speaking recently, as cited by The Mirror, Saliba insisted that he feels at home at the Emirates.
“Yeah of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything – the players, the staff and the fans. I feel at home so of course, why not (stay at Arsenal for the long run)?” said Saliba.
Saliba's contract with Arsenal runs until 2027.
Los Blancos open to Fran Garcia exit
Real Madrid are planning to offload Fran Garcia, according to Defensa Central. The Spanish left-back was previously believed to be untransferrable at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has reportedly had a change of heart and is now willing to let Garcia go. The 25-year-old has registered 17 appearances across competitions under Carlo Ancelotti this season, but only seven of them have been starts.
With the LaLiga champions already eyeing a move for Alphonso Davies in 2025, speculation is ripe regarding Garcia's future. Clubs from the Premier League are eyeing the Spaniard with interest and are willing to offer €10 million for his signature. Even if Garcia ends up staying beyond the January transfer window, his time at Real Madrid could come to an end next summer.
Endrick not planning January exit
Endrick has no plans to leave Real Madrid on loan in January, according to journalist Jose Felix Diaz. The Brazilian arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer but has failed to cement a place in the starting XI.
Still only 18, Endrick is already tipped to have a great future ahead. It was previously believed that Los Blancos could send him out on a temporary move in the winter to gain first-team experience. However, the player has no desire to leave the club in the winter. He remains determined to fight for his place in the team for now.
Should his situation fail to improve, Endirck is likely to consider his options at the end of this season. The Brazilian has registered two goals and one assist from 14 games across competitions so far.