Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: English duo eyeing Brazilian ace, Vinicius Junior tempted by Saudi offer, and more - August 13, 2024

Training session of Real Madrid in Chicago, Illinois - Source: Getty
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against Atalanta at the National Stadium Warsaw on Wednesday, August 14. Kylian Mbappe could debut for Los Blancos against the Serie A side.

Meanwhile, two English powerhouses are interested in a Brazilian forward. Elsewhere, Vinicius Junior is wanted in Saudi Arabia this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 13, 2024.


English duo eyeing Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo Goes

Liverpool and Manchester City remain hot on the heels of Rodrygo Goes, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian forward's future remains uncertain following Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid.

Los Blancos were pursuing the French superstar for ages and finally signed him on a Bosman move this summer. Mbappe is expected to become an automatic starter for the La Liga champions and Rodrygo could be pushed down the pecking order.

The Brazilian has refuted recent rumors of a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, while Carlo Ancelotti has also insisted that the 23-year-old remains in his plans. However, City and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the situation as they believe they can take advantage.

The Premier League champions are long-term admirers of Rodrygo and want him as a replacement for Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid this summer. The Reds, meanwhile, are also eyeing attacking reinforcements as they look to usher in a new era under Arne Slot.

Rodrygo is under contract with Real Madrid until 2028, so prising him away won't be easy.

Vinicius Junior tempted by Saudi offer

Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior hasn't closed the door on a move to the Middle East this summer, according to ESPN Brazil. The Brazilian forward is among the finest players in the world and is one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or this year.

Vinicius scored 24 goals and set up 11 more from 39 games across competitions last season. He is one of Real Madrid's most important players and has admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.

Recent reports have also suggested that the 24-year-old has turned down advances from Saudi Arabia as well. However, it now appears that the player's camp hasn't entirely ruled out a move to the Middle East, especially due to the finances involved.

Saudi clubs are apparently negotiating with Los Blancos for Vinicius, as they want him to be the face of the 2034 World Cup to be held in the country. The Brazilian is being offered a massive contract worth up to €350m per year.

The La Liga champions have no desire to let their prized asset leave and are demanding his €1bn release clause to be exercised to let him go. Vinicius' entourage are aware that Real Madrid have to soften their stance before the deal can go through.

Nico Paz contemplating Real Madrid exit

Nico Paz could be on the move this summer
Nico Paz could be on the move this summer

Nico Paz is considering his options this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The highly-rated Argentine midfielder was expected to break into the senior side this year after impressing for Real Madrid Castilla.

Paz was part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the pre-season tour of the US but struggled for game time. Despite the absence of the likes of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga, the 19-year-old could only register 92 minutes of first-team action.

It appears that Ancelotti isn't completely convinced by the player. The Italian manager is spoilt for choice in the middle of the park and Paz is unlikely to be guaranteed regular playing time if he stays.

The teenager is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2027 and won't be short of options if he wants to leave.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar