Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Luka Modric set to stay, Los Blancos considering Miguel Gutierrez reunion, and more - May 19, 2024

Real Madrid travel to El Madrigal on Sunday, May 19, to face Villarreal in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti will be eyeing a win as he prepares to finish the season on a high.

Meanwhile, Luka Modric is likely to sign a new contract with Los Blancos, according to his agent. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants are planning to bring Miguel Gutierrez back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from May 19, 2024.

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Luka Modric set to stay

Luka Modric

Luka Modric is likely to sign a one-year extension at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to his agent Vladica Lemic. The Croatian midfielder's contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season and his future remains up in the air. Modric has struggled for game time this season at the Santiago Bernabeu and is heavily linked with an exit ahead of the summer.

However, speaking recently as cited by MARCA, Lemic insisted that the 38-year-old is in love with the club and could end up staying.

“The most likely thing is that he will stay one more year and continue writing history. Real Madrid is the best club in the world and is led by the best president in the history of football. Modric is a Real Madrid fan who loves the club and considers it his home,” said Lemic.

Modric has appeared 43 times across competitions this season, registering two goals and eight assists. However, almost half of those outings have been from the bench.

Real Madrid considering Miguel Gutierrez reunion

Miguel Gutierrez

Real Madrid are planning to bring Miguel Gutierrez back to the club, according to The Daily Briefing. The Spanish left-back rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu but left the club in 2022 to join Girona. Interestingly, Los Blancos inserted an €8m buy-back clause in his deal, which has now proven to be a very smart decision.

Gutierrez has gone from strength to strength since joining Girona and is now among the best in his position in the league. His efforts have turned heads at his former club as well. Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to bolster his left-back position ahead of the new season, with the futures of both Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia shrouded in uncertainty. Bayern Munich speedster David Alaba, whose contract expires in 2025, has been identified as an option.

However, Gutierrez is also in the La Liga giants' plans. The 22-year-old has appeared 39 times across competitions this season, scoring two goals and setting up eight more. He could be a fine addition to Ancelotti's squad, although Alaba is likely to be the preferred option. However, even if a move for the Spaniard doesn't materialize, Real Madrid could still profit from his sale this summer. That is because the Spanish champions have a 50% sell-on clause in the player's contract.

Carlo Ancelotti wants William Saliba

William Saliba

Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on William Saliba, according to Mundo Deportivo. Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring in a new face this year to partner Eder Militao and is already scouting candidates for the job. Lille sensation Leny Yoro has been mentioned as an option. However, Saliba is apparently the Italian's preferred choice for the job.

The 23-year-old has been rock-solid at the back this season for Mikel Arteta's team. Saliba has appeared 49 times across competitions for Arsenal, all of which have been starts. Ancelotti is convinced that the Frenchman can be a huge hit at the Santiago Bernabeu, and has asked the club to secure his services this summer. However, the player is under contract with the Gunners until 2027 and remains an indispensable part of Arteta's plans. As such, prising him away will be almost impossible.