Barcelona remain on top of the La Liga table after the first 17 matchdays. However, the Blaugrana might not be there for long. Their opponents are catching up to them because they’ve only won once in their last five league matches. Financial problems continue to beset Hansi Flick’s side, so they cannot do much in the upcoming winter transfer window. They also might lose one of their key players.
Real Madrid are one of the teams catching up with Barcelona, but their huge injury list is what’s holding them back. Carlo Ancelotti’s group plans to address that by also searching for reinforcements in January, particularly on the defencive side of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad are aware that rival teams are circling around their top stars, and they’re facing a difficult decision whether to sell or not.
Learn about the latest La Liga 2024 updates by continuing to read below.
Real Madrid eyeing reunion with Champions League winner
Real Madrid have been starting Fran Garcia at the left-back position with Ferland Mendy injured. While the 25-year-old defender has done well, Garcia may not be the long-term solution for Real Madrid, so they are searching for another solid option to improve their SBOTOP La Liga 2024 odds.
According to reports, Los Blancos are keen on reuniting with Theo Hernandez, who won a Champions League trophy with the team in 2018. The AC Milan full-back is one of the hottest commodities in the transfer market because of his experience and versatility.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2019 for only €20 million, Hernandez has become a key player for the Rossoneri, making 230 appearances, contributing 31 goals and 41 assists, and winning a Serie A title in the 2021-22 campaign. However, this season has been less impressive for both Theo Hernandez and AC Milan. The Rossoneri are in seventh place in Serie A, and their contract talks with the Frenchman have stalled.
Real Madrid are not the only team keen on acquiring Theo Hernandez, as Manchester United, PSG, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Juventus are lurking. AC Milan will reportedly sell the Frenchman for a transfer fee not lower than €50 million.
Los Blancos also plan to beef up their centre-half depth amid David Alaba’s injury, and they’re looking at Bologna’s Sam Beukema to potentially fill in the void. The 26-year-old centre-back said he wants to play in the Premier League someday, and Liverpool could swoop in to bypass Real Madrid.
Barcelona could poach Bayer Leverkusen star
Barcelona have Jonathan Tah in their sights to bolster their backline. The 28-year-old’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen is expiring at the end of the season, and could join the team on a free transfer unless Bayern Munich swoop in before next summer.
Hansi Flick has gone with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez this season, but the two centre-backs are far apart in age, with Cubarsi still a minor and Martinez approaching the twilight of his career. The Blaugrana need someone in between and is capable of holding his ground. Tah could also provide competition for Ronald Araujo, whose current deal expires in 2026.
But Barcelona have bigger problems about Dani Olmo since they might lose him for nothing in January. Since he hasn’t been registered by Barcelona for the second half of the season, Olmo could walk away as a free agent due to a clause in his contract (related to the club’s financial constraints).
Barcelona would need to raise funds to address this, and the club is working hard to find a solution by finding additional sponsors and selling off VIP boxes at Camp Nou. The club is also keen on selling some of their players, including Frenkie de Jong, whose contract will expire in 2026.
Real Sociedad could lose highly coveted youngster
Liverpool tried to acquire Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer but failed, and now another Premier League contender is trying to do the same thing. According to reports, Manchester City became the 25-year-old’s latest suitor since Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of his.
Martin Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause, but he would supposedly be likelier to move in the summer window rather than in January. Selling Zubimendi now might not be the best move for Real Sociedad since the midfielder sustained a “serious” back injury during their 3-0 win against Leganes last time out. According to reports, Zubimendi will miss at least two weeks of action but will return for Real Sociedad’s last two league games of the calendar year.
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