Real Madrid News
46-year-old Real Madrid icon still in contention to replace Ancelotti in 2024
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to take over the Brazilian national team in 2024, Real Madrid are surveying a number of options to take over the Italian’s role on the bench.
According to Cadena SER (h/t SPORT), Raul Gonzalez has been tipped as a potential successor to Ancelotti, with his excellent work in the Castilla ranks enticing the club officials.
The Royal Whites are steadfastly devoted to the continuity of Raul as the manager of Castilla for next season, despite the fact that they failed to win promotion to La Liga 2, falling in the final against Eldense.
Raul, who is the record-holder for most appearances (741) for Real Madrid, is considered an excellent trainer. And, with Ancelotti expected to move on next year when his contract expires, the Spaniard has favourable odds of fulfilling his dream of managing the first-team.
The report states that there is a faction at Real Madrid that is determined to elevate Raul so that, when Ancelotti’s tenure has concluded, he becomes the head coach of the first team, kickstarting a new era.
Still, they are currently keeping their options open at the Santiago Bernabeu. A bunch of names have emerged with the potential to replace Ancelotti, but no concrete commitment has taken place yet.
Florentino Perez believes that appointing Xabi Alonso would be the best option for the 2024/2025 season. Raul and Zinedine Zidane are the alternatives, though, if circumstances need a change before then.
While Zidane departed Los Blancos on bitter terms during his previous managerial tenure, there are claims that the tense relationship has significantly improved to the point that the Frenchman may potentially return to his former club.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
