Real Madrid News
Brazil relaxed over their pursuit of Carlo Ancelotti, no meeting scheduled for April
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti has been publicly linked with a move to the Brazilian national team for a few weeks now. The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), have made the Italian tactician their top priority for June and will go all out for him.
However, the manager does not appear ruffled by the reports circulating around. He has maintained, even in recent press interactions, that he wishes to stay at Madrid until the end of his contract in 2024.
According to reports from UOL Esporte (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the South American body are unperturbed by his comments. The CBF understands that Ancelotti is contractually bound to Real Madrid and that his words are only to keep up appearances.
The same update goes on to reveal that, contrary to the report earlier this week, CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues is not travelling to Spain to discuss terms with Ancelotti. However, there is hard work taking place behind the scenes to make his arrival a reality.
The fact that Real Madrid players like Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr acknowledged the possibility of their manager joining the Selecao in itself speaks volumes about the situation.
It is natural for Ancelotti to feel hard done by the sudden and impulsive reports of his sacking for a brief period of poor form. Considering his treatment over the past few weeks, it would be surprising if the Italian decided to stay next season, let alone renew his deal.
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly best placed to replace the manager in the summer if the cascade of events is triggered. Raul Gonzalez, Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso represent other options.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane ‘very close’ to completing Real Madrid move, only final details remain – report
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was finally closed earlier today as officially confirmed by Borussia Dortmund on their website. Yet, the offices at Santiago Bernabeu have not even taken a break to celebrate their success.
According to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Los Blancos are now completely focused on the acquisition of Harry Kane. The English striker’s arrival is very close to approaching closure and only a few details remain to be sorted.
The Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur representatives reportedly held a meeting today over the striker’s transfer. The agenda was to agree on a number for the transfer fee.
The Premier League side began the proceedings with an expectation of €100 to €110 million in exchange for Kane. However, the Merengues suggested a lower point at €80 to €90 million, albeit with the option to include bonuses.
There is not much separating the two parties at the moment, and the minor gap will be bridged in the coming days. Overall, the meeting ended with a broad understanding between the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti sees the English striker as the centre-piece of his attack for next season given the recent departure of Karim Benzema. After all, Kane has been one of football’s most consistent goalscorers over the past decade.
Yet, Los Blancos cannot afford to let their guard down with one signing and will need to rope in at least two more names in attack to serve as backup options. The exits of Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard leave them with no squad depth, after all.
Kane has scored 30, 17, and 23 goals in his last three seasons in the Premier League and is the epitome of consistency. Further, he had three assists in his most recent league season and created 14 big chances.
