Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly thinking over a move to Saudi Arabia as Real Madrid have already identified a replacement for the iconic Italian coach.
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Ancelotti has a contract at Real Madrid until 2026Italian manager being courted by SPLIf Ancelotti leaves, Alonso will take overWHAT HAPPENED?
According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez, Ancelotti is seriously weighing his options regarding a potential departure from Real Madrid, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a possible destination. Alvarez has reported that Ancelotti has received a major offer from the Middle Eastern country, as they are eager to add him to their rapidly growing football project.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Though Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid in November 2023, a deal that runs until 2026, he can choose to leave the capital club earlier than the 2025-26 season. Real Madrid have already begun laying the groundwork for life after the Italian coach and have shortlisted Xabi Alonso as the ideal candidate to take over as manager when the time comes. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been garnering praise for his tactical acumen and leadership abilities since taking the reins in Germany. And his stock has been rising steadily after he guided them to a domestic double last season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Liverpool and Bayern Munich were eager to sign Alonso to lead their fresh sporting projects after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, respectively but Alsonso chose to continue his journey at Bay Arena. With Alonso committed to Leverkusen for the 2024 season, Real Madrid can closely monitor his progress and assess his suitability to take over from Ancelotti. Moreover, club president Florentino Perez and the board are believed to be impressed with Alonso’s development as a coach, and they see him as the ideal figure to lead the club in the coming years.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Ancelotti has time and again insisted that he would continue at Real Madrid until he is forced to leave. If the manager continues to deliver trophies then it is more likely that he will continue at the Bernabeu hotseat until the expiry of his current deal. However, if the substantial financial offer from Saudi Arabia gives him food for thought, Real Madrid are ready to usher in a new era with a club legend in Alonso at the helm.