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Real Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, October 26, in LaLiga for the season's first El Clasico. Carlo Ancelotti's team head into the game on the back of a 5-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have set their sights on Euro 2024 winner Aymeric Laporte. Elsewhere, the Spanish champions are interested in an emerging South American defender.
On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from October 26, 2024.
Real Madrid want Aymeric Laporte
Real Madrid are considering a move for Aymeric Laporte, according to AS. The LaLiga giants are sweating on the fitness of David Alaba, who is yet to recover from the ACL injury picked up in 2023.
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Meanwhile, Jesus Vallejo isn't highly rated at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti only has Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao as available options at the back, with Aurelien Tchouameni filling in when required.
The situation has prompted talks of defensive reinforcements in January, but Los Blancos have decided against it. Instead, Real Madrid will invest in the backline at the end of the year and have their eyes on Laporte.
The Spaniard is currently with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr but wants to return to Europe. Laporte played for Athletic Bilbao before leaving for Manchester City in 2018.
As such, the 30-year-old could hit the ground running with a return to LaLiga. Most importantly, he would not take up a non-EU spot in the squad, which will also appeal to Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelotti had already sanctioned his arrival in the summer, but the move didn't materialize. Real Madrid could move for Laporte next year, but he will have to take a pay cut on his 25m-per-year wages to join the club.
Los Blancos eyeing South American talent
Real Madrid have set their sights on teenage sensation Valentin Gomez, according to AS. The 21-year-old defender plays for Argentinean club Velez Sarsfield and is a first-team regular.
Gomez has made 98 appearances for the senior side, highlighting his immense quality. River Plate and Boca Juniors are eyeing the Argentine defender with interest and Los Blancos have now entered the fray.
The LaLiga giants' need for defensive reinforcements is well documented and they are already eyeing another young defender in Vitor Reis. Gomez, meanwhile has two years left in his contract with Sarsfield and could be available for just €10m.
Real Madrid receive Alphonso Davies boost
According to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Alphonso Davies is likely to leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season. The Canadian is already in the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich and hasn't signed an extension yet.
Los Blancos have been hot on his heels for a while so this latest development will be a big boost for the club. The Bavarians are likely to try and tie Davies down to a new deal, given his immense potential.
However, the 23-year-old's wage demands could pose a problem for the Bundesliga giants. Meanwhile, Barcelona are also in the race for Davies' services, but their financial issues make a deal highly unlikely. Davies apparently wants a four-year deal worth €10m net in wages and a signing bonus of €15m from his suitors.
