Real Madrid transfer news round-up.

In April 2021, Florentino Perez said on Josep Pedrerol’s El Chiringuito program that Real Madrid needed a change. That change started a few months after with the departure of then club captain Sergio Ramos. Several heavyweights in the team who were instrumental during Real Madrid’s 3-peat era have left the team and clearly, a new generation must be born. With the unexpected departure of Karim Benzema last week, Real Madrid not only have a world class number 9 to replace, but a leader. The club has already announced two signings this summer: Fran Garcia and Brahim Diaz both returning to the club after previous spells. Reports from various Spanish sources are that other departures are expected. How will Real Madrid look like for next season? Only September 1 has the answers.

DEPARTURES:

Four departures have already been confirmed by the club: Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz. Alvaro Odriozola was linked with a move to Real Sociedad but the Spanish outfit have secured the signature of Malian right back Hamari Traore, making Odriozola’s move unlikely. Real Madrid will either have to find a way out for a player whose contract ends in a year or keep him in the squad where Ancelotti has little faith in him.

It was almost certain a month ago that Luka Modric was going to continue at the Real Madrid but the tide seems to be moving away slowly. COPE’s Miguel Angel Diaz reports that Luka Modric was 100% decided he would stay, and his new contract was half signed but now the new Saudi offer has changed everything. His future is in now in huge doubt. The source adds that the new offer to Modric is a massive one which is practically non-rejectable. Luka Modric, who is now the vice-captain of the side after Benzema’s departure has to decide his future in the next days.

Jesus Vallejo is also one of the players with an uncertain future at the club. The player wants to stay at the club and his entourage have already closed the door on his departure this summer but there could be a twist in the saga at any moment, especially when the club may be looking to free up space for new signings.

Ferland Mendy has also been on the wrong side of history with regards to injuries. Carlo Ancelotti confirmed a month ago that he prefers the French left back to stay at the club but his future is still uncertain and should a suitable offer arrive, the club will listen to them. The player was recently called up by the national team for the upcoming matches but has pulled out due to an injury.

With his lack of minutes, Andriy Lunin looks set to leave Real Madrid. Relevo reports that the club have already drawn up possible goalkeepers to replace him as Ancelotti doesn’t trust Lunin. The coach wants to convince the board that it will be necessary to sign another goalkeeper. The names of possible replacements include Robert Sánchez, Bono, Gazzaniga and David Soria. MARCA’s Jose Felix Diaz reports that Real Madrid are only a step away from signing David Soria.

On the topic of renewals, various sources from Spain have reported in the past 48 hours that both Ceballos and Nacho are expected to stay at the club after agreeing to their recent offers.

ARRIVALS:

The signing of Fran Garcia and Brahim Diaz have been made official by Real Madrid but they will not be the only ones. Dortmund have already announced Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid. The German club had to publish every detail of the transfer on its website earlier due to its availability on the stock market. Real Madrid will announce the move once all details are completed.

Several names have been tipped as potential replacements for Benzema but the player in pole position is Harry Kane. The move seems like a difficult one due to Daniel Levy’s reluctance to let his leading marksman leave. Real Madrid will have to endure a long process of negotiations and table not less than 100 million euros to get the 29-year-old. It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will go all out to sign him despite having big transfer plans for 2024. Other names mentioned as potential replacements for Benzema include Lautaro Martinez, Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz. This summer will surely be a revolution for Real Madrid. Brace yourselves, because August is the longest month in football.