'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Real Madrid are second in the LaLiga table after 18 games this season. Carlo Ancelotti's team have won 12 and lost just two in the league so far, and are a point behind Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have come to a decision regarding their pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions have hit a stumbling block regarding Vinicius Junior's renewal.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from December 29, 2024.
Real Madrid make Castello Lukeba decision
Real Madrid are unwilling to break the bank for Castello Lukeba, according to journalist Jorge Picon. The LaLiga giants are ready to focus on their backline in 2025 to address their recent defensive woes.
Trending
Carlo Ancelotti is currently without Eder Militao and David Alaba, with both players out with injuries. While Alaba is expected to return next month, Militao is out for the rest of the season.
Los Blancos are a little thin at the back right now, and want to address the situation in 2025. They want a young, dynamic defender similar in profile to Militao and have identified Lukeba as an option.
The Frenchman has been rock solid at the back for RB Leipzig in recent times and has turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent. His contract runs until 2029, and he reportedly has a €90m release clause in his deal.
However, it is believed that the 22-year-old could be allowed to leave for €60m in 2025. While the price could turn out to be a bargain in the coming years, the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy will only move for the player if he is available at a discounted rate.
Los Blancos suffer Vinicius blow
Real Madrid are struggling to tie Vinicius Junior down to a new deal, according to Real Madrid Confidencial. The Brazilian has been in tremendous form in recent times and recently won FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the year for 2024.
Vinicius Junior's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2027, but the club want to tie him down to a new deal to end any speculation regarding his future. However, the player apparently wants a significant pay hike that reflects his rising status in world football.
The situation has caused concerns at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the player being actively pursued by clubs from Saudi Arabia. However, the 24-year-old has shown no indications that he wants to leave at the moment. Renewal talks are likely to pick up pace next summer.
Dani Carvajal opens up on future
Dani Carvajal has insisted that he will not play in Europe if he leave the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish right-back is currently out with an ACL injury and isn't expected to play again this season.
Carvajal has been outstanding for Los Blancos in recent times but his contract expires at the end of next season. Recent reports have suggested that the LaLiga giants have identified Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold as the 32-year-old's successor.
Speaking recently, as cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Carvajal added that his former teammate Joselu wants him at Al Gharafa.
“If I ever leave Real Madrid, I will not play in Europe. I will not compete against Real Madrid in the Champions League or in Spain. Joselu tells me: I’m waiting for you here. I’m saving the RB spot for you,” said Carvajal.
Alexander-Arnold's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of this season.
