LALIGA
Brazil target Carlo Ancelotti to stay at Real Madrid for the 2023/24 season
Ancelotti has turned down the Brazil national team job, for now, and is shaping his squad for LaLiga and Champions League challenges next year.
Carlo Ancelotti will be the coach of Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season, sources close to the club have confirmed. The Italian is continuing to shape his roster for the next campaign, which will be bolstered by one defender and one midfielder, along with two forwards.
Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia
The departing Mariano Díaz’s place in attack will be filled by Espanyol striker Joselu, who will arrive on loan. The other spot will depend on what happens with Karim Benzema, who has revealed to Los Blancos that he has been made and is tempted by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. The Frenchman has the option of staying at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for at least another year but the Gulf state is pushing hard to take him to the Saudi Pro League. News on the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner’s future is expected next week.
Madrid had been waiting for confirmation that he would be staying on from Ancelotti, with the Brazilian Soccer Federation (CBF) leaving no stone unturned in their attempts to convince the former Milan and Chelsea boss to take charge of their national team.
Which positions are Real Madrid looking to strengthen in?
Now that he has decided to remain in the Spanish capital, the four-time Champions League winning coach must decide which additional names will strengthen his roster for 2023/24. At the moment, Los Merengues are looking for another full-back (having already signed Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran García), a midfielder (Jude Bellingham is the number one target) and a top-level striker, in addition to Joselu, whose loan deal has almost been completed.
New Modric and Kroos deals to be confirmed by Madrid soon
Marco Asensio is expected to say his goodbyes in Sunday’s home game against Athletic Club and will be replaced in the squad by Brahim Díaz, who will return after a two-year loan spell at Milan. Other than Mariano, Asensio could well be the only player on the way out, with Dani Ceballos and Nacho looking likely to sign new contracts, which Luka Modric and Toni Kroos already have done. Their extended deals will be confirmed by the club shortly.