Real Madrid News
Real Madrid yet to finalise four expiring contracts, Spanish duo might leave
Real Madrid have a lot of decisions to take in the coming weeks, especially regarding the contract renewals of existing players. After all, the Merengues have some of their biggest stars’ contracts expiring in the summer.
Anton Meana (h/t Madrid Xtra) provides an update on the situation of four players and the possible outcome regarding their contract extension.
The Spanish journalist maintains that Dani Ceballos is not appreciated much by the management or the coach, and the decision of his continuity rests completely with the player.
His improved performances in recent weeks have earned him a renewal proposal, however, it will as the last-choice midfielder.
The situation with Marco Asensio is similar. The Spanish winger has fallen back in the pecking order and now has the young Alvaro Rodriguez ahead of him too. The club has told him that he will never be a starter, and a departure is thus more likely in the summer.
Real Madrid are yet to send Luka Modric an official renewal offer but it is only a matter of time before talks begin.
The club want the veteran to stay for another year, but pressure from Al-Nassr seems to be creeping into the Croatian’s mind. Earlier today, it was reported that Modric is closer to leaving than staying.
The final update offered is on the situation of Toni Kroos. The German international has not explicitly said that he will stay beyond his contract which runs out in the summer.
There is a real possibility that the midfielder retires at the end of the campaign, but he could play one final season for the Merengues.
With both veteran midfield stars having uncertain futures at the club, Real Madrid must look to go all out in the coming summer transfer window to improve the squad depth. Jude Bellingham, needless to say, is the top priority.
According to a report from journalist Jorge C Picon, former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to become the next manager of Real Madrid, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves at the end of the season.
Ancelotti’s topic has become a topic of much debate and discussion over the past few weeks. The Italian tactician has a contract that runs until next year and has stated that he wishes to see it out.
However, the team’s failure to win any major title this season could end up spelling trouble or the 63-year-old. The La Liga title looks like a lost cause already while Real Madrid are in a disadvantageous position in Copa del Rey as well.
The UEFA Champions League remains Ancelotti’s best bet to win a trophy this season. Should he do so, the Italian could continue at Real Madrid or even possibly sign a new contract extension.
But, failure to land the trophy could end his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu and Pochettino is said to be the frontrunner for the position in that case.
The Argentine is currently unemployed after being sacked by PSG in July last year. The 51-year-old did not have the most memorable of stints in Paris but his stock has not diminished in the Real Madrid offices, who had considered appointing him once before as well.
Thomas Tuchel was also a candidate for Real Madrid and talks were also held with him. But, the club informed him that if Ancelotti won the UCL, he would stay on, which played a part in the German signing for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, club legend Raul Gonzalez, who is currently the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, is also a candidate, but is seen only as Plan B, with Pochettino very much the frontrunner at this point.
A lot will depend on how the rest of the season pans out and whether Ancelotti is able to lead Real Madrid to back-to-back Champions League triumphs.
