Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo not in Ancelotti’s plans, placed on transfer list – report
As Real Madrid focuses on the departure front, it has become increasingly important for Carlo Ancelotti to identify players whom he does not count upon. This is not only essential in order to facilitate more signings but also to lighten the wage bill.
According to reports from MARCA, Los Blancos have placed Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola on the transfer market. The manager does not count on either player for the upcoming season and sees them as saleable.
Mariano has barely seen playing time since his arrival to the club in 2018. The highest number of league games the striker participated in was 16 in the 2020-21 season, and that too fell to a meagre nine games last season.
Since his arrival four years ago, the 28-year-old has only scored six goals in La Liga. Needless to say, the manager feels that the likes of Borja Mayoral can provide a better output, but even he is looking at an exit to Getafe.
Meanwhile, Odriozola only returned from his loan spell at Fiorentina last month. In 25 league starts for the Serie A side, he scored one goal and provided one assist. Defensively, he oversaw just three clean sheets and recorded less than four defensive actions per game.
Daniel Carvajal and Lucas Vasquez have proven to be reliable at right-back in recent seasons. Given the latter’s phenomenal adaptation to his new role, Odriozola is seen as a surplus by the club.
It remains to be seen if the players leave on a loan deal or a permanent transfer. Regardless, the club will push for their departure in either form.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
