Real Madrid News
€112 million Manchester City target more attracted to Real Madrid – report
RB Leipzig and Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol is set to be one of the most sought-after defenders in the upcoming summer transfer window. The 21-year-old is on the radars of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, among several other top clubs across Europe.
But a fresh report from BILD is claiming that Gvardiol, at this moment, is more attracted to Real Madrid than Manchester City. The defender was supposedly excited after learning that the Merengues had contacted his agents to express their interest in him.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Los Blancos’ representatives met with Gvardiol’s entourage in December last year, right after the FIFA World Cup 2022, to express their admiration towards the centre-half.
At the same time, however, it was suggested that Real Madrid believe that the Croatian international’s signing would be out of reach for them due to the finances involved.
Indeed, Gvardiol signed a new contract with Leipzig last year, committing himself to the club until the summer of 2027. He has a release clause worth €112 million embedded in the deal, although that will come only into force in 2024.
But, Leipzig will demand a figure in excess of €100 million if they do consider the prospect of selling their defensive ace in the upcoming summer.
That could pose a problem for Real Madrid as they are also targeting a summer move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old midfielder will cost in the range of €100-140 million as well.
And as per the report, even though the Merengues have around €350 million to spend for the summer, they will look to splash a nine-figure transfer fee only on one player.
So, Real Madrid will have to decide between signing Gvardiol, Bellingham and even possibly Kylian Mbappe, provided he becomes available in the summer market.
Real Madrid News
Ancelotti could renew contract with Real Madrid if he wins the Champions League – report
The continuity of Carlo Ancelotti hinges on several factors and journalist Mario Cortegana, while writing for The Athletic, has confirmed that if Real Madrid do not sack him at the end of the season, the Italian will continue to serve the team at least until his current contract, which runs until 2024.
Furthermore, the report also states that Ancelotti could even be handed a contract extension if he leads the team to the UEFA Champions League triumph once again.
It is more than evident that Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future is far from certain. Ever since the managerial role at the Brazilian national team opened up, the 63-year-old is being pursued by the South American team.
Cortegana writes that even though Ancelotti is quite happy at Real Madrid, there remains a possibility that he will, indeed, accept the Brazil role if he were to leave the Spanish capital city as he sees this job as an appealing end to his managerial career.
At Real Madrid, he knows that he will have to keep winning trophies and this season, the La Liga honour is more or less lost. But with the possibility of winning the UEFA Champions League still open, Cortegana has reported that if the Italian does, in fact, succeed at winning the European crown, he might end up renewing his deal with the team.
At the moment, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is trying to keep a respectful distance, but there is absolutely no denying the fact that they have made him their absolute priority.
“Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues about Ancelotti.
“Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about. They talk about him in a very affectionate way, in recognition of the exemplary work he has done in his career,” he added.
Ancelotti is aware that Brazil want him and Brazil know Ancelotti is ready to join, but everything hinges on what happens with Real Madrid this season.
If they end up winning the Champions League or even if Madrid decided to stick with him until his contract expires [2024], Brazil will be forced to look for alternatives. If not, one can expect the Italian to be the new head coach of the Seleçao.
