Real Madrid are preparing to face Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, September 1, in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti’s team arrive at the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Las Palmas in midweek.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos decided against letting Dani Ceballos leave on Transfer Deadline Day. Elsewhere, Reinier Jesus has completed a temporary move to Granada.
On that note, let’s look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from August 31, 2024.
Real Madrid make Dani Ceballos decision
Real Madrid decided against offloading Dani Ceballos on Deadline Day, according to MARCA. The Spanish midfielder has struggled for game time under Carlo Ancelotti in recent times.
Despite signing a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu last year, Ceballos was heavily linked with an exit this summer. The player has registered just six minutes of first team action this season from two appearances, both from the bench.
He was an unused sub in the other two games and is understandably frustrated by the situation. Recent reports suggested that Real Betis were ready to take him back to Estadio Benito Villamarin in the final days of the summer.
The Andalusian club apparently submitted a proposal to secure his services, offering €5m for 50% of the player’s rights. However, the offer was turned down by Real Madrid as it didn’t match their €15-20m asking price.
Reinier Jesus leaves on loan
Reinier Jesus has joined Granada on loan, Real Madrid have confirmed. The Brazilian midfielder has failed to impress since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2020.
He is yet to earn his first team bow and has spent the last four years out on various loan deals. The La Liga giants don’t consider him part of their plans and have now opted for another temporary exit.
The 22-year-old has been handed the chance to revive his career at the Andalusian club and will be desperate to prove his naysayers wrong. The move could have an obligation for a permanent transfer as the Brazilian’s contract expires next summer.
Former player advises Trent Alexander-Arnold to stay at Liverpool
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to stay at Anfield amid interest from Real Madrid. The English right-back’s contract with the Merseyside club expires in less than 12 months and he hasn’t agreed to an extension yet.
The Red remain keen to tie him down to a new deal as he is considered an integral part of Arne Slot’s plans. However, Los Blancos have identified him as the ideal successor for Dani Carvajal and are planning for a Bosman move next summer.
In his column for Caught Offside, Collymore pleaded with the 25-year-old to stay and become an Anfield legend.
“I’d be really disappointed if the thought had even crossed Trent’s mind that if he starts to be a bit mardy, he’ll get a move to Real Madrid. That would lower his stock significantly, because fans generally aren’t fans of people that want out of a club that is their club,” wrote Collymore.
He continued:
“I remember Steve McManaman’s own move to Madrid, and his reputation at Liverpool never really recovered. I think there’s always a little bit of holding your nose in Liverpool where he’s concerned, and I think that it would be an awful look for Trent.”
He concluded:
“I know Trent won’t listen to me, but please, please, please, you are the scouser in the team, you are the totem for the club. A lot of people, young Liverpool fans, look up to you as somebody that drives them forward. You’re needed for the marathon not the sprint.”
Alexander-Arnold’s close friendship with Jude Bellingham has further fueled speculation of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.