Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Atalanta ace, Rodrygo turned down Manchester City, and more - December 25, 2024

Real Madrid will return to action on January 3 when they travel to the Mestalla to face Valencia in LaLiga. Carlo Ancelotti's team are currently second in the league table after 18 games, a point behind local rivals Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Brazilian midfielder who plays for Atalanta. Elsewhere, Rodrygo Goes has rejected the chance to join Manchester City this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 25, 2024.

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Real Madrid eyeing Ederson

Ederson has admirers at the Santiago Bernabeu

According to Real Madrid Confidencial (via Madrid Universal), Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder is an emerging star in the European circuit and is also being eyed by Manchester United.

The 25-year-old is primarily a defensive midfielder but is capable of carrying out multiple roles in the middle of the park. This season, he has registered two goals and one assist from 23 games across competitions.

His efforts have pleased the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy, who see him as the ideal replacement for Toni Kroos. The German superstar retired at the end of last season and the club are yet to sign a replacement.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric will turn 40 next September, and his contract also expires at the end of this campaign. Los Blancos are likely to address the situation next summer and want Ederson for the job.

The player is under contract at the Gewiss Stadium until 2027, so the Serie A side will have the upper hand in negotiations. The Brazilian has a market value of €50m, but Atalanta are expected to demand around €70m for his signature.

Rodrygo turned down Manchester City this summer

Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo turned down a lucrative offer to move to Manchester City earlier this year, according to journalist Jorge Picon. The Brazilian forward's position at Real Madrid was under scrutiny this summer following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

City tried to take advantage of the situation and offered Rodrygo an undisclosed lucrative contract to make the move to the Etihad. However, the 23-year-old turned them down as he was determined to prove himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo has done well so far this season, registering five goals and four assists from 20 games across competitions. His contract with the LaLiga giants runs until 2028, so the club are under no pressure to let him go either.

Dani Ceballos unlikely to leave in January

Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos is unlikely to leave Real Madrid in the winter transfer window, according to AS. The Spanish midfielder has struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti for some time and was heavily linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Real Betis were apparently keen to take him back to Andalusia, but couldn't complete a deal due to their poor finances. They were expected to return for him in the winter, but have prioritized a new striker.

Nevertheless, Los Blancos are adamant that Ceballos won't leave. The player has gained prominence under Ancelotti in recent weeks and the LaLiga giants want to keep their squad intact in January. However, Real Madrid could let him go for the correct fee at the end of the season.