Real Madrid Transfer News: Former Barcelona midfielder eyed as Modric's replacement, £35m signing arrives, and more - 9th August

Hello and welcome to the Real Madrid transfer roundup for the day. It's taken the Spanish side a while to finally wake up in the window, but better late than never right? With a few weeks left before the deadline closes, Julen Lopetegui could be the busiest manager in the Spanish top-flight as he identifies areas that need strengthening.

Here’s a look at all the transfer news surrounding Real Madrid…

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Thibaut Courtois finally signs for Real Madrid

It's taken until the Premier League deadline day for Courtois to move to Real Madrid. Chelsea were willing to let him go, but the only issue was that of a replacement. As soon as Kepa Arrizabalaga completed his medical, things went much more smoothly and Madrid will be glad they have signed Courtois at last.

Upon completing his switch to Madrid, Courtois revealed, "Today I am realising a dream. This is the best club in the world.

"Since childhood, I dreamed that this moment could happen. Today I'm one of you. I'm more Madrid. Hala Madrid."

The deal for Courtois involved Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic moving the other way on a one-year loan deal and Madrid also had to pay a fee of £35m for Courtois.

Chelsea, of course, had to break the record fee for a goalkeeper, set by Alisson Becker a few weeks back, when they paid £71.5 million for Kepa. But considering they’ve got half the fee from the sale Courtois and Kovacic for a year, it’s not the worst deal.

Madrid won’t be too unhappy with losing Kovacic as he has made limited first-team appearances. But things could get complicated if they aren’t able to keep hold of Luka Modric. Kovacic’s compatriot has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and there could be more developments on that in the coming days.

Custodian has no desire to leave Real Madrid

Real Madrid v Club Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final

Amidst the saga and the eventual arrival of Thibaut Courtois, you have got to feel for Keylor Navas.

Here is a ‘keeper who had another consistent season for Los Blancos, yet Madrid have gone ahead and signed Courtois who is likely to be the new number one.

When Navas was asked about his future at the club follow Courtois’ arrival, he said he didn’t want to leave.

"Of course, and I say this with force, I have the same desire to leave than I have to die."

Thiago Alcantara could be Modric’s replacement

Thiago in action for Spain

As pointed out before, Modric is pretty unsettled and even though he has returned to training, there is no telling what could happen. Why not prepare for the worst?

If Modric leaves, Madrid will look like a squad bereft of quality and depth in the midfield. Without Kovacic, the only options Lopetegui will have will be Kroos, Casemiro and Ceballos.

Reports from AS, however, say that Madrid could make a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The Spaniard recently extended his stay at Bayern but could be tempted by a move to Spain.

Lopetegui has already worked with the former Barca man during their time with the Spanish national team and he could be the ideal replacement for Modric with his class and guile in midfield.