Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will hold talks to renew forward’s contract during the World Cup break
After a summer filled with constant speculations and exit links, Marco Asensio eventually ended up staying put at Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the club and wanted to move on during the previous window after failing to reach an agreement over an extension. Having aligned with superagent Jorge Mendes, he searched for exit opportunities but could not find a suitable project.
Being forced to continue at Real Madrid, Asensio found himself out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti in the early phases of the campaign, with the manager hardly calling on the Spanish winger. And it looked like he would leave as a free agent next year when his contract expires.
However, there has been a massive U-turn in his situation at the Santiago Bernabeu in recent weeks.
Asensio has been putting up some impressive displays coming on from the bench in matches and on Wednesday, he started against Celtic and was one of the team’s top performers as they cruised to a 5-1 triumph.
The former Mallorca winger’s turnaround is said to have made a serious impact on the Real Madrid officials, so much so that they are ready to discuss a new contract with his agent.
Indeed, as per journalist Sergio Santos, Real Madrid will sit down with Jorge Mendes to negotiate a new contract for Asensio during the World Cup break.
While any official talks are yet to take place, Asensio is said to be aware that there has been a significant change in stance with regard to his future within the club. There are more voices pushing for his renewal as signing a replacement of his calibre would be expensive.
Asensio, for his part, has always dreamt of continuing at Real Madrid. But he wants to feel valued by the club and is hoping for a pay rise reflecting his stature, considering that he has added two more Champions League winners’ medals to his kitty since his last renewal in 2017.
Clubs from England, Germany, and Italy are keeping a close watch on the situation, knowing that they can enter into negotiations with Asensio over a free transfer from January 1.
Real Madrid are aware of this and will hold talks over a renewal during the World Cup break so as to secure Asensio’s future.
Real Madrid News
51-year-old manager the ‘clear favourite’ to succeed Ancelotti at Real Madrid – report
With there being uncertainty surrounding the future of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, it seems like Los Blancos have identified the ideal candidate to succeed the Italian if he leaves.
Indeed, according to TyC Sports in Argentina, former PSG and Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is the clear favourite to replace Ancelotti once he moves on from Real Madrid.
The 51-year-old tactician is currently unattached after having been let go of by PSG last summer. And, he could now make a sensational return to management with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti has a contract with the Merengues until the summer of 2024. But, his future is not entirely secure at this point as the current champions of Spain and Europe are losing the La Liga title race to Barcelona while they are also hanging by a thread in Copa del Rey.
Unless the 63-year-old leads Real Madrid to a major trophy this term, an exit could be on the cards. And, the Brazilian national team are lying in wait to swoop him away if such a scenario materialises.
Several names such as Raul Gonzalez, Zinedine Zidane, Julian Nagelsmann, and Xabi Alonso have been linked with the Real Madrid job if Ancelotti leaves.
But, now it is being claimed that Pochettino has emerged as the frontrunner to take over from the Italian tactician. The 51-year-old is understood to be president Florentino Perez’s most favourite candidate and is seen as a perfect fit at Real Madrid.
Pochettino had the chance of taking over at Real Madrid in the past but could not secure a release from Tottenham. Now, though, he is unattached and has reportedly even rejected a chance to rejoin Spurs as he is ready to wait until the summer for Real Madrid.
The report also suggests that Pochettino has previously rejected the likes of Ajax, Chelsea, Belgium national team and Brazil as well as he continues to wait for an approach from Los Blancos at the end of the season.
