Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos identify Carlo Ancelotti successor; club not in talks for Spurs ace, and more - September 20, 2024
Real Madrid are putting together final preparations ahead of their upcoming La Liga tie with Espanyol on Saturday, September 21. Carlo Ancelotti's team are on a run of three wins in as many games across competitions.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have identified Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for manager Carlo Ancelotti in 2025. Elsewhere, the La Liga champions are not in talks to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on September 20, 2024:
Real Madrid identify Carlo Ancelotti successor
Real Madrid are planning to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso next summer, according to SportBILD. The Italian manager signed a new deal last year that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu till 2026.
However, Los Blancos are planning to part ways with Ancelotti at the end of this season. The manager has enjoyed tremendous run with the La Liga champions, winning multiple trophies. However, Alonso's rise with Bayer Leverkusen has caught Real Madrid's attention.
Alonso powered his team to the Bundesliga title last season and also won the DFB-Pokal. He implemented an attacking style of play which has apparently impressed Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.
Alonso spent five seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu as a player and is well versed with the requirements of the club. He could be a superb replacement for Ancelotti, who was heavily courted by the Brazil Football Federation last year, but the Italian could also move to the Middle East.
Los Blancos not in talks for Cristian Romero, says Fabrizio Romano
Real Madrid are not in talks to sign Cristian Romero next summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos have identified the Argentinian defender as a possible option to reinforce their backline.
The La Liga giants were in the market for a new defender this summer but missed out on their priority target Leny Yoro. The French starlet joined Manchester United, and Real Madrid ended the window without signing a replacement for the departing Nacho Fernandez.
The club, though, are making plans to address the issue next year. Los Blancos have apparently identified Arsenal's Williams Saliba and Romero as options for the job.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the La Liga champions are yet to make a move for the Tottenham Hotspur defender.
“Cristian Romero continues to be an important player for Tottenham, and so it’s perhaps normal that we’re starting to see rumours about interest from other top clubs, with some fans asking me if there’s anything to the links with Real Madrid," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“However, I’m told that nothing is happening now. Romero’s contract could be a topic in the next months as Spurs of course want to keep him for the long term; but no active talks have started yet.”
The 26-year-old has been key to Argentina's recent dominance in world football.
Real Madrid prioritising move for Reece James
Real Madrid are keen to bring Reece James to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2025, according to HITC. Los Blancos are planning to address the right-back situation next year and have their eyes on the Englishman.
Dani Carvajal has been outstanding in the past decade but is in the final phase of his career. His contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires next year, and while he's likely to be handed an extension, the club are laying down succession plans.
James is a long-term target for the La Liga champions, and they are planning to go for the kill next summer. The 24-year-old is among the best in his position in the world, but his fitness issues have been a problem.
The Englishman is yet to feature for Chelsea this season, as he's nursing a hamstring injury. He missed 38 games for the Blues last campaign due to various injuries.