Real Madrid will be aiming to defend their La Liga crown next season, and one of the ways to do that is to further bolster their squad during the summer transfer window.
Los Blancos look far from done after having the first big domino to fall in Kylian Mbappe, who will reportedly wear No. 9. Because of some key departures, Real Madrid will have to sort out their backline.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are looking to reinforce their frontline, and they have their eyes on one of their biggest rival’s top young stars.
With Real Madrid and Barcelona looking to strengthen, Atletico Madrid cannot stay idle to keep up in the title race. However, Los Rojiblancos have yet to make their move, according to the La Liga 2024 updates.
Real Madrid eyeing “next Varane”, among others
Real Madrid need a refresh at the back because their centre-backs are not getting any younger. Antonio Rudiger is already 31 years old, while David Alaba, 32, is recovering from a major knee injury and is reportedly unlikely to return until 2025.
Eder Militao may be 26, but he has been injury-prone lately, and Nacho, 34, has left the club to join the Saudi Pro League to chase one last payday before calling it quits in his football career.
These are the reasons why Real Madrid are chasing Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old emerged as one of the hottest commodities in the market because he is coming off a career year with Lille.
Yoro is far from a finished article, but he has the tools to become the next Real Madrid centre-back, a la Raphael Varane, with his aerial prowess and defencive acumen.
However, the biggest roadblock in getting Yoro for Real Madrid is Manchester United, who are also in talks with Lille and have reportedly agreed to terms.
Furthermore, Real Madrid are still keen on signing Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, but it remains to be seen whether they’re willing to pay at least €50 million for the speedy full-back.
At the goalkeeping front, Real Madrid are preparing for the possibility of losing Andriy Lunin since he wants more playing time, so they are talking with Chelsea about another potential loan move of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Felix’s Barcelona future uncertain amid rival poaching plans
Joan Laporta caught everyone off guard when he said that Barcelona can afford to sign Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao this summer.
Barcelona’s complex financial situation has been well-documented here at SBOTOP, which is why hearing this from the Blaugrana president has raised eyebrows because they are in excess of their annual La Liga spending limit, thus making them unable to register new signings.
Athletic Bilbao have secured their return to European football next season after they defied the La Liga 2024 odds to finish fifth in the table, so they shouldn’t sell Nico Williams.
Williams, who has been a revelation for Spain in the ongoing Euros, was Los Leones’ top playmaker in 2023-24 with five goals and 11 assists. He just turned 22 yesterday, making him one of the brightest young talents in Europe today.
Barcelona can get Williams is if they somehow pay his €58 million release clause that was included in his contract. Either way, Athletic Bilbao’s front office is not thrilled with this news.
Also, adding Nico Williams could complicate Hansi Flick’s rotation up front, and Joao Felix is going to be the biggest collateral damage.
After a productive season with the Blaugrana, Joao Felix said that he doesn’t want to be buried in the bench, but that’s impossible with Williams potentially joining Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Vitor Roque, and Robert Lewandowski competing for places in attack.
Atletico Madrid could lose several key players
Atletico Madrid are under pressure to shore up their firepower, as Alvaro Morata could leave while Memphis Depay has already left.
Morata was the second-leading scorer for Los Rojiblancos last season with 20 goals and four assists in all competitions. The 31-year-old is considering to leave Spain because of his growing unhappiness with the local fans. The Saudi Pro League is reportedly keen on Morata and his teammate Angel Correa.
Depay, meanwhile, is currently a free agent, and he aimed a parting shot at head coach Diego Simeone during his departure. He didn’t play much last season, although he put up six goals and one assist.
Los Rojiblancos were also reportedly in talks with Girona for Artem Dovbyk, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to match their valuation of at least €40 million.
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