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Real Madrid secured a 4-3 win over Manchester City via penalties on Wednesday, April 17, in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg. Rodrygo’s first-half strike was nullified by Kevin De Bruyne in the second half before Kepa stepped up after 120 minutes to take his team to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong. Elsewhere, the Spanish giants have set their asking price for Dani Ceballos. On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on April 18, 2024:
Real Madrid eyeing Jeremie Frimpong
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Jeremie Frimpong, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
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The Dutch right-back has played a starring role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph this season. Frimpong has registered 12 goals and 11 assists in 38 outings across competitions. His efforts have turned heads at multiple clubs in Europe, including Los Blancos.
The La Liga giants have utilized Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez for the right-back position, but both players are on the wrong side of 30. Real Madrid are expected to lay down succession plans soon, and Frimpong has emerged as an option.
The Dutch manager reportedly has a €40 million release clause in his contract, which makes him highly affordable this summer. The La Liga giants previously had concerns about the defensive facets of his game, but his price tag could tempt them to consider a move.
Los Blancos set Dani Ceballos price
Real Madrid will let Dani Ceballos for €8 million this summer, according to Fichajes. The Spanish midfielder is a forgotten man at the Santiago Bernabeu and remains keen to leave in search of regular football.
This season, Ceballos has appeared just 21 times across competitions, registering one goal and one assist. However, only four of them have been starts, and with Los Blancos spoilt for choice in the midfield department, he has been deemed surplus to requirements.
The 27-year-old is keen to leave in search of regular football amid interest from AC Milan. The Italian giants are looking for midfield reinforcements this summer and have reportedly set their sights on Ceballos.
The La Liga giants are ready to let him go for a cut-priced deal, even though his contract with the club runs till 2027.
Andriy Lunin heaps praise on his teammates
Andriy Lunin was quick to shower praise on his teammates despite stealing the limelight in Real Madrid’s win over Manchester City.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper stopped penalties from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic as Los Blancos got the better of Pep Guardiola’s side in a pulsating game at the Etihad. Lunin has filled in admirably for the injured Thibaut Courtois this season and once again proved that he is an able deputy to the Belgian.
Speaking to Movistar, the 25-year-old lauded his teammates for running nonstop for the entire game.
"I'm exhausted, it's the first game I've had like that in my career. 120 minutes, with that level of demands, in the Champions League, away from home. Thanks to the team, who suffered and run and fought, we're through to the semis,” said Lunin.
He continued:
"You can't always play with the ball, you can't always be the best team on the field. The team made a great effort, working like that for 120 minutes. I can't even imagine running like that for five minutes."
Carlo Ancelotti spoke highly of Lunin and added that he was confident of a win once the game went into penalties.
"I've seen Real Madrid do this a lot. It's this badge, it brings something out of you that you didn't know you had. In the shootout, we were convinced we could go through.
"Andriy (Lunin) had a fantastic game. I like it when you see a team that sacrifices itself a lot. I think you could only win here in this way," Ancelotti said.
Lunin’s contract with Los Blancos expires at the end of next season, and his future remains up in the air.
