Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos eyeing Sporting CP ace, Vinicius in talks for Saudi move, and more - January 8, 2025

Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Mallorca on Thursday (January 9) at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The LaLiga giants will enter the game on a run of seven wins in their last 10 games across competitions.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are interested in a Sporting CP striker. Elsewhere, Vinicius Junior is in talks regarding a move to Saudi Arabia.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 8, 2025.

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Real Madrid eyeing Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Viktor Gyokeres, according to Sky Sports Germany. The Swedish striker has been in sizzling form since arriving at Sporting CP in the summer of 2023.

This season, Gyokeres has registered 31 goals and six assists from 29 games across competitions. His efforts have already turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent, including Los Blancos.

The LaLiga giants entered this season without an established No. 9 in their ranks. Kylian Mbappe has been deployed in that role to mixed effect and Real Madrid apparently want to address the issue this year.

A move in the winter is unlikely, but Sporting CP could let the 26-year-old go for €60-70m at the end of this season. Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are apparently eyeing the player as well.

Vinicius in talks for Saudi Arabia move

Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior's camp has maintained dialogue with clubs from Saudi Arabia, according to journalist Mario Cortegana of The Athletic. The Brazilian is a long-term target for clubs from the Middle East and they remain hot on his heels for now.

The 24-year-old has registered 13 goals and nine assists from 22 games across competitions and won FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year in December 2024. Real Madrid remain eager to tie Vinicius down to a new deal, following his recent exploits.

However, the player's entourage wish to wait until the summer to assess their options. They have held a fresh round of talks in December regarding a move to the Middle East, with the Saudi Pro League keen to secure his services at the end of the season.

Liverpool advised to offload Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Football pundit Richard Keys has advised Liverpool to offload Trent Alexander-Arnold amid interest from Real Madrid. The English right-back was particularly poor in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United this weekend. Alexander-Arnold's contract expires in under six months and he is apparently wanted at the Santiago Bernabue.

In his blog, Keys argued that Alexander-Arnold suits Los Blancos more than Liverpool.

“His performance proved that Liverpool should take Madrid’s £20m and settle the on-off transfer saga surrounding him. Clearly he’s leaving – so bring the issue to a head,” wrote Keys.

He continued:

“Never mind all the sentimental mis-guided nonsense being spouted by Liverpool pundits who should know better – get the deal done. Believe me – Liverpool’s season is not going to hinge on whether a bang ordinary ‘defender’ stays or goes."

He concluded:

“I’m not saying he isn’t a good player – I just think his skill set is better suited to Madrid. Defending is not his strength. And the debate is a distraction.”

Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing the 26-year-old as Dani Carvajal's replacement.