Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Dani Carvajal likely to stay, Real Betis eyeing Spanish ace, and more - September 16, 2024

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their UEFA Champions League group-stage game against VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday, September 17, at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti's team arrive at the game in high spirits following a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend (September 14).

Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is expected to continue his association with Los Blancos. Elsewhere, Real Betis have retained their interest in a Spanish midfielder.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 16, 2024.

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Dani Carvajal likely to stay at Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal

Dani Carvajal is expected to sign a new deal with Real Madrid, according to MARCA. The Spanish full-back was in exceptional form for Los Blancos last season, helping them get their hands on the league, Champions League, as well as the Spanish Supercup.

However, the 32-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and hasn't been handed a new deal yet. The La Liga champions' pursuit of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold has added to speculation regarding the veteran defender.

However, Real Madrid acknowledge Carvajal as one of the finest in his position in the world right now and believe he still has a lot of football left. Los Blancos have him firmly in their plans.

The player is likely to be handed a new deal but it will be a one-year contract, keeping in line with the club's strategy for players above the age of 30. Carvajal has no issue with the rule and is expected to stay at the club.

Real Betis eyeing Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos

Real Betis are planning to return for Dani Ceballos at the turn of the year, according to AS. The Spanish midfielder was wanted by the Andalusian club over the summer, but they failed to match Real Madrid's valuation of the player.

Ceballos ended up staying at the Santiago Bernabeu, although he has struggled for game time once again this season. Carlo Ancelotti has a wide array of midfielders at his disposal and the 28-year-old is a long way down the pecking order.

Ceballos has appeared in just three of Los Blancos' six games this season, only one of which has been a start. He has registered 71 minutes of first-team action this season and is currently sidelined with an ankle sprain.

With the team already ticking without the Spaniard, his future with the La Liga champions remains uncertain. Betis are attentive to the situation and are planning to return for their former player at the turn of the year.

Ceballos has always been open to a return to the Estadio Benito Villamarin and a deal could materialize in the winter. However, the final decision will rest on Real Madrid, with the player tied to the club until 2027.

Kylian Mbappe heaps praise on Vinicius Junior

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior

Kylian Mbappe has spoken highly of Vinicius Junior. The two players were on the scoresheet as Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad over the weekend.

There have been rumors of a rift between the duo but those were put to bed on Saturday at the Reale Arena. Vinicius scored the first penalty and won the second. He allowed Mbappe to take the second spot-kick and even copied the French superstar's celebration after the 25-year-old converted.

Speaking after the game, as cited by Madrid Universal, Mbappe insisted that he is trying to build a connection with the Brazilian.

"The truth is that we try to find each other in the game and in training to create this connection because we know that we can help the team," said Mbappe.

He continued:

“Vinicius is a great player and I am very happy to play with him at Real Madrid. The important thing about the penalties is that all four were goals. Who takes them is not important, what is important is that they are goals.”

Vinicius is the frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or this year.