Transfer Talk: Real Madrid eye Leverkusen’s Alonso and Wirtz
Credit to Author: Danny Lewis| Date: Thu, 23 May 2024 19:12:05 EST
Alejandro Moreno thinks Bayer Leverkusen players looked “drained” after they were thumped 3-0 by Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. (1:34)
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Real Madrid will look to make future moves to bring in Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz and head coach Xabi Alonso, as has been reported by AS.
Los Blancos‘ most likely incomings this summer are Kylian Mbappé, Endrick and Alphonso Davies, which would leave little manoeuvre for them to make any other notable signings.
Even with Toni Kroos‘ retirement, they are unlikely to move for a midfielder with Jude Bellingham expected to drop deeper — especially as Mbappé should more than cover his goal tally from this term.
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They are still looking at options for the future and Wirtz is the most heavily favoured, with the 21-year-old’s versatility adding to his appeal in addition to an impressive tally of 18 goals and 20 assists in 48 matches across all competitions this term.
He has reached those heights under Alonso, somebody who has been seriously considered as the replacement for head coach Carlo Ancelotti whenever the Italian leaves.
However, Los Blancos are not in any rush to complete these moves despite knowing there is plenty of competition from across Europe. Wirtz has a contract that runs until 2027, but they will be watching every Leverkusen match to keep an eye on both Wirtz and Alonso.
– With Vincent Kompany expected to take over as Bayern Munich‘s head coach, The Sun reports that the Belgian has identified Manchester City winger Jack Grealish as a priority in the rebuilding of the Bavarian club’s squad. They believe that teaming up with Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho‘s success in Germany could convince the 28-year-old to make the move.
Fabrizio Romano has linked them with RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo, stating that the 26-year-old is on Bayern’s list and the topic of interest from Barcelona and two Premier League clubs. He has a release clause worth €60 million.
– Éderson impressed in Atalanta‘s midfield as the Serie A club beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to win the UEFA Europa League, and Calciomercato have reported that the 24-year-old has received interest from Barcelona, Juventus and Premier League clubs with La Dea wanting between €40m and €50m for him.
MARCA have suggested that Éderson is being looked at by Atletico Madrid, who are also considering Feyenoord‘s Mats Wieffer, Celtic‘s Matt O’Riley, Tottenham Hotspur‘s Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Sporting CP‘s Morten Hjulmand, Boca Juniors‘ Ezequiel Fernandez and Monaco‘s Youssouf Fofana.
– Al Hilal are trying to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leão as they aim to grow the Saudi Pro League, reports O Jogo. His father, Antonio Leão, has taken over negotiations while Mário Rui will help with talks having already been involved in moves for Neymar and Otavio, with Al Hilal willing to make Milan an offer worth over €100m for the 24-year-old.
– Paris Saint-Germain remain hopeful that they will be able to sign Lille centre-back Leny Yoro during the summer, reports L’Equipe. However, Les Parisiens are aware that there will be plenty of competition for the 18-year-old, who has impressed for Les Dogues this term.
– Sport Bild have offered a list of the players who could leave Bayern Munich this summer. They named Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Dayot Upamecano, Noussair Mazraoui and Alphonso Davies. MARCA have reported that Bayern are close to finalising their move for AC Milan left-back Theo Hernández, which would increase the likelihood of Davies’ departure.