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Real Madrid are preparing to travel to the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Sunday, August 18, to face Mallorca in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game buoyed by their UEFA Super Cup triumph earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Eder Militao is the subject of interest from the Middle East. Elsewhere, Los Blancos have suffered a blow in their hopes to sign Alphonso Davies.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 16, 2024.
Eder Militao wanted in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian clubs are planning to move for Eder Militao this summer, according to Ge.Globo. The Brazilian defender is an established figure in Real Madrid's starting XI, and has admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.
The 26-year-old missed much of the 2023/24 season due to an ACL injury, registering just 13 appearances across competitions. However, his stock remains high and the player is reportedly wanted in the Middle East this year.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund were interested in Vinicius Junior this summer, but the 24-year-old reportedly turned them down. They have now set their sights on Militao and have already established contact with the player's camp to facilitate a deal.
However, prising him away won't be easy. The player is under contract with Los Blancos until 2028 and reportedly has a €500m release clause in his deal.
Militao is emotionally attached to the La Liga champions and has no desire to leave. Real Madrid also consider the player a vital part of their plans and will not listen to offers for him this year.
Real Madrid suffer Alphonso Davies blow
Bayern Munich are ready to tie Alphonso Davies down to a new deal, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Canadian speedster has entered the final year of his contract with the Bavarians and hasn't agreed to a new deal yet.
Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the 23-year-old and would like to sign him this summer. However, they are also willing to secure Davies on a Bosman move in 2025.
Los Blancos are looking for an upgrade on Ferland Mendy and the Canadian has been identified as the ideal candidate for the job. The 23-year-old has turned down multiple renewal offers from the Bavarians and apparently has his heart set on joining the La Liga champions.
Real Madrid are now hoping to sign him for free next summer, but the Bundesliga giants are not willing to throw in the towel just yet. Bayern are ready to return with an improved offer for the player, if he manages to impress under Vincent Kompany.
Former player advises Tottenham Hotspur against Cristian Romero exit
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has urged the club to keep hold of Cristian Romero. The Argentinean defender is reportedly a target for Real Madrid this summer.
Los Blancos were planning to move for Leny Yoro following Nacho Fernandez's departure. However, the French defender opted to leave Lille and join Manchester United instead.
The La Liga giants could be tempted to reinforce their backline before the end of the transfer window. Romero has been rock-solid at the back for club and country in recent times and has apparently turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton insisted that his former side will struggle if they let go of the Argentinean.
“I think the fee would be huge. If you think about what Crystal Palace want for Marc Guehi, around £70m, I know he’s young and he’s had a brilliant Euros, I really like him as a player," said Hutton.
He added:
“I know Romero can be rash at times, that is what it is, but I think for what he does, his recovery tackles, he just suits Tottenham. I think they’d be talking about that same mark (£70m) and if they don’t hit that I don’t think they’ll want to sell."
He continued:
“He’s such an important player for Tottenham next to Van De Ven, I think they complement each other. To lose Romero at this stage of the transfer window going into the first game of the season would be an absolute nightmare for the manager.”
Real Madrid were unwilling to break the bank for Yoro and are unlikely to pay £70m for Romero.
