It was reported that Brazil wanted Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti to become the national team coach earlier this year. But then the iconic Italian manager extended his contract with Real until 2026 to the great joy of Madridistas.
However, multiple reports claim that Carlo Ancelotti is being aggressively pursued by Saudi Pro League (SPL) sides. La Liga defending champions Real Madrid are well aware of the development and have already identified their target man in case "Don Carlo" bids farewell, the reports added.
Ancelotti, 65, may opt to to leave Real Madrid earlier than the 2025-26 season, reports quoted Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez as saying. However, there was no information on the frontrunners in Saudi who are likely to ink a deal with the former AC Milan gaffer.
On the other hand, Los Blancos have decided to rope in Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso in case Ancelotti decides to move on. Alonso, who led Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga season last season, is a former Real Madrid star. After a succesful season, 42-year-old Alonso decided to continue with Bayer Leverkusen despite offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich -- also European giants he played for.
It is believed that Alonso decided to turn down the English and German clubs with the Real job in mind.
Real Madrid are in a position to closely monitor Alonson's project with the Bundesliga team and assess his suitability to take over from Ancelotti, Goal.com said in a report. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and the board are believed to be impressed with Alonso’s journey so far in the boots of a manager, and see him as the ideal figure to lead the club in the coming years, it added.
