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Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against Valencia at the Mestalla on Friday, January 3, in LaLiga. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham scored two late goals to secure three points for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have received some good news in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions will have to pay a premium fee to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from January 4, 2024.
Real Madrid receive Martin Zubimendi boost
Martin Zubimendi is willing to leave Real Sociedad, according to journalist Guillem Balague. The Spanish midfielder is highly rated in the European circuit and has admirers across the continent.
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The player was heavily linked with an exit from the Reale Arena last summer but ended up staying with the Basque club. However, it now appears that he is ready for a new adventure.
The update will be music to the ears of Real Madrid, who are in the market for a new midfielder. Los Blancos are missing Toni Kroos in the middle of the park this season, with the German retiring at the end of last season.
The LaLiga champions opted against signing a replacement in the summer of 2024 but are ready to make amends this year. Real Madrid are eyeing a new midfielder at the end of this season and have their eyes on the 25-year-old.
However, prising him away from Real Sociedad won't be a walk in the park. The player reportedly has a €60 million release clause in his deal and is also being courted by Manchester City, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
Los Blancos learn Dean Huijsen price
Bournemouth will demand £49 million to part ways with Dean Huijsen, according to ESPN. The teenage defender has earned rave reviews with his efforts for the Cherries and has turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are in a defensive mini-crisis following the injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba. While the Austrian is expected to return soon, Militao is out for the season.
The LaLiga giants want to address the position this year and are eyeing multiple candidates for the job. Huijsen has popped up on their radar, but his massive price tag could prompt Los Blancos to pursue alternate targets. The 19-year-old has appeared 14 times for Bournemouth this season, even scoring two goals.
Toni Kroos backs Florian Wirtz to excel at Santiago Bernabeu
Toni Kroos believes Florian Wirtz will fit in quite well at Real Madrid. The 21-year-old has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen of late and helped them win the Bundesliga last season.
His efforts have caused a stir across clubs in Europe, who are lining up for his services. Los Blancos are hot on his heels as well, as they look to lay down succession plans for Luka Modric.
Speaking to BILD, Toni Kroos insisted that Wirtz is good enough to play for any team.
“He can adapt to any team, including Real Madrid. With his quality, I think it’d be a great addition,” explained Kroos.
Wirtz has registered 12 goals and eight assists from 25 games across competitions this season for the Bundesliga side.
