Real Madrid travel to Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday, October 2, to face Lille in the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's team will head into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are planning to initiate discussions to extend Dani Carvajal's stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants have enquired about the availability of Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 2, 2024.
Real Madrid plan Dani Carvajal talks, says Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are planning to initial contract talks with Dani Carvajal, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish right-back has entered the final year of his contract with Los Blancos but is yet to sign a new deal.
Carvajal has been indispensable for the La Liga giants in the past decade, registering 14 goals and 65 assists from 425 games to date. He has shown no signs of slowing down despite being 32.
While Real Madrid are already looking at Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold as his potential successor, they still consider Carvajal a vital part of their plans. As such, they are keen to tie him down to a new deal.
The Spaniard enjoys a stellar relationship with the club and the two parties are happy together. The new contract will be discussed in detail soon. The player has previously stated that he won't play for another European club if he ever leaves Los Blancos.
Los Blancos submit Vitor Reis inquiry
Real Madrid have enquired about Vitor Reis, according to journalist Mario Cortegana. The Brazilian defender has earned rave reviews with his assured performances for Palmeiras.
Los Blancos, also among the list of his suitors, are expected to sign a new defender in 2025. The La Liga giants missed out on Leny Yoro to Manchester United this summer and need a new face to partner Eder Militao.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30 and Real Madrid are laying down succession plans for the duo. Reis has popped up on their radar and they have already reached out to Palmeiras regarding a move.
However, Los Blancos won't have a free run at the 18-year-old, who is also wanted at multiple European clubs. Interestingly, Cortegana adds that Arsenal have also submitted an initial inquiry about the Brazilian. The youngster is under contract with Palmeras until 2028 and has a €100m release clause in his deal.
Manchester United wanted Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013, says Patrice Evra
Manchester United wanted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale from Real Madrid in 2013, according to club legend Patrice Evra. The Portuguese initially left Old Trafford in 2009 to join Los Blancos.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner hit a higher gear, powering the La Liga giants to multiple titles. He eventually left in 2018 as Real Madrid's record goalscorer with 450 goals from 438 games.
Speaking on The ObiOne Podcast, as cited by Mundo Deportivo, Evra added that Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Old Trafford in 2013 but the Red Devils refused to fund the move.
"Two weeks before he retired, Sir Alex took me into his office and said: ‘Look at those people, they think I’m going to retire, that I’m going to stay another 10 years… yes, we need to win more Champions Leagues,'” said Evra.
“Ferguson confessed to me: ‘Patrice, Cristiano Ronaldo is 99 per cent agreed to come back and so is Gareth Bale”. He needed £200 million and the club refused to put it in. Now they’ve spent a billion, it doesn’t matter,” he continued.
“I remember coming out of his office and thinking: ‘Cristiano is back, and Gareth Bale, we’re back in business. Imagine that. That’s what he said,” Evra added.
The Portuguese ace eventually returned to Manchester United in 2021, but his second coming didn't live up to expectations.