Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos face competition for Spanish ace, Liverpool eyeing Alphonso Davies, and more - December 31, 2024

Real Madrid will travel to the Mestalla on Friday, January 3, to face Valencia in LaLiga. Carlo Ancelotti's team will come into the game on the back of a 4-2 thumping of Sevilla at home.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are not the only club eyeing a move for a Spanish midfielder. Elsewhere, Liverpool are also interested in Alphonso Davies.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 31, 2024.

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Real Madrid face competition for Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi

Real Madrid face competition from Manchester City for the services of Martin Zubimendi, according to AS. The LaLiga giants are planning to sign a new midfielder next year.

Toni Kroos retired this summer while Luka Modric's contract expires at the end of this season. The Croatian will turn 40 in September and cannot be expected to carry on for much longer.

Los Blancos have quite a few big names in their midfield but want to sign a new player for the job. The LaLiga giants want someone in the mold of City's Rodri and have apparently zeroed in on Zubimendi.

The Real Sociedad midfielder has been in excellent form of late and is expected to take the next step in his career in 2025. The 25-year-old could be a fine fit at the Santiago Bernabeu but City apparently have their eyes on the player as well.

The reigning Premier League champions are struggling in the absence of the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury. Manchester City reportedly want the move for Zubimendi at the turn of the year to address the issue.

The player is under contract until 2027 and reportedly has a €60m release clause in his deal, which shouldn't deter the Cityzens.

Liverpool and Real Madrid eyeing move for Alphonso Davies

Alphonso Davies

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Alphonso Davies, according to TEAMtalk. The Canadian left-back is in the final year of his contract with the club and is yet to sign a new deal.

Real Madrid are also eyeing Davies with interest as they look for an upgrade on Ferland Mendy. However, it now appears that they will face competition from the Reds for the 24-year-old.

Los Blancos are already in hot pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract with Liverpool also expires at the end of this season. The Merseyside club are now looking to seek revenge by moving for Davies.

Carlo Ancelotti opens up on future

Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed a desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond his current deal. The Italian manager's contract with Real Madrid expires in 2026 but his future remains up in the air after a mixed start to the campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xavi Alonso has long been named as a possible replacement for Ancelotti. The Italian has also been linked with the vacant job at AS Roma.

However, Ancelotti recently insisted that he is happy with Los Blancos, saying (via Mundo Deportivo):

“My contract at Real Madrid? You never know how long I can stay. Contracts can be terminated but they can also be extended. Coach Roma? I am very happy at Real Madrid and I want to stay as long as possible."

The reigning champions are second in the league table after 18 games, a point behind Atletico Madrid at the top.