Real Madrid News
Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp nominated for UEFA Coach of the Year award
In recognition of the best performances in the Champions League, UEFA gives out several club football awards on an annual basis. The awards cover the best players in each position for both men’s and women’s football with a special award for the best manager too.
Earlier today, the federation revealed the nominees for this year’s best manager title. Carlo Ancelotti is one of the candidates in the running and arguably the favourite to win the award.
Competing against Los Blancos’ manager are Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City.
All three managers successfully drove their teams deep into the UCL last season. However, both the Premier League sides ultimately fell prey to the unstoppable Real Madrid.
It would not be an overstatement to call Ancelotti the favourite to win it this year, especially given the recent history of the award.
The last manager to be awarded the title of ‘the best’ from UEFA was Thomas Tuchel, who won the Champions League title with Chelsea last season. In 2019-20 too, it was UCL-winning Hansi Flick who took home the award.
Last season, Ancelotti not only won the Champions League but also dominated the Spanish League. His team won La Liga with a whopping 13-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, scoring 80 goals and conceding just 31.
The winner will be named during the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage draw ceremony in Istanbul on Thursday, 25 August. Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois will also be in the hall on the night with both stars nominated for the UEFA best men’s player award.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
