Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Rodrygo not in talks to leave Los Blancos, Dani Ceballos wants to stay, and more - August 17, 2024

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their trip to Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Sunday, August 18, in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to start his title defense with a win.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo Goes is not in talks to leave Los Blancos this summer. Elsewhere, Dani Ceballos wants to stay and fight for his place in the starting XI at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 17, 2024.

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Rodrygo not in talks to leave Real Madrid, says Fabrizio Romano

Rodrygo Goes is not in talks to leave Real Madrid this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian forward is reportedly being eyed by Manchester United boss Pep Guardiola this year as a possible replacement for Julian Alvarez.

Rodrygo's place in Los Blancos' starting XI has come under threat following Kylian Mbappe's arrival this summer. The 23-year-old could be tempted to leave the La Liga giants this summer in search of regular football. Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool and Manchester City have their eyes on the Brazil international.

However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that Rodrygo remains focused on Real Madrid.

“Lots of rumours about Real Madrid guys, but there is zero news on Rodrygo so far. His full focus is on Real Madrid, and there have been no negotiations with other clubs. He’s expected to stay at the club and they believe their market is closed also in terms of big players’ exit. They’re not planning for any big sales," wrote Romano.

"It’s the same situation with Eder Militao. No players leaving in the final two weeks, the squad is closed. It’s the same situation with Eder Militao. No players leaving in the final two weeks, the squad is closed," he added.

Rodrygo is under contract with Los Blancos until 2028.

Dani Ceballos wants to stay

Dani Ceballos has no desire to leave Real Madrid this summer, according to journalist Miguel Angel Lara. The Spanish midfielder is a forgotten man at the Santiago Bernabeu and remains linked with an exit this summer.

Ceballos signed a new contract with Los Blancos last year but struggled for chances under Carlo Ancelotti in the 2023-24 campaign. The Italian manager is spoilt for choice in the middle of the park, prompting talk of Ceballos' exit from the club this year.

However, the 27-year-old has no desire to leave and is preparing to fight for his place under Ancelotti. The Spaniard could have a golden opportunity to impress the Italian following Eduardo Camavinga's recent injury.

The La Liga giants are pleased with his attitude and believe he could play a key role this season.

Former player heaps praise on Thibaut Courtois

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Santi Canizares has waxed lyrical about Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian custodian missed much of last campaign due to an ACL injury but remains a vital part of Los Blancos' plans.

Despite Andriy Lunin's heroics last season, Courtois is the established No. 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 32-year-old gave the world a timely reminder of his qualities in the 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this week.

Speaking recently on Radio MARCA, Canizares insisted that Courtois is the best goalkeeper he has ever seen.

“I’m a bit of a pain in the arse about Courtois. For me he’s the best goalkeeper I’ve ever seen, I really think so, I haven’t seen a better goalkeeper than him. Yesterday he made a save that 80 per cent of goalkeepers don’t get to and there’s another 20 per cent that get to once in a lifetime,” said Canizares.

Canizares went on to compare Courtois' abilities to that of Lionel Messi.

“It already seems logical to me, like in Messi’s time when he scored goals every weekend, as if it were easy. Courtois stops the ones that go into the corner of the goal as if it was usual in football and it’s not," said Canizares.

“This guy saves them in August, September, all the time. It’s a stratospheric thing. I doubt you’ll see anyone who looks like Courtois. It looks like Courtois plays in indoor football goals because it looks like it’s simple," he added.

Courtois is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2026.