Xabi Alonso or Solari may succeed Ancelotti at Madrid

Posted : 28 April 2025

Santiago Solari and Xabi Alonso are emerging as the likely candidates to replace Carlo Ancelotti as the manager of Real Madrid for the upcoming Club World Cup. Ancelotti, who is expected to depart the club after leading the team through the current season, has reportedly informed the squad of his plans to leave. Sources indicate that Ancelotti will take on the role of head coach for Brazil in June, and as a result, he will not manage Real Madrid in the summer competition. The club now faces the challenge of selecting a temporary replacement, with Solari, currently a director of football at Madrid, considered a top choice. Alternatively, the club could pursue the services of Xabi Alonso, who has impressed as Bayer Leverkusen's manager.

Ancelotti's departure comes despite him signing a contract extension in December 2023 that would have kept him at the Bernabeu until 2026. However, sources within the club suggest that the 65-year-old manager has made it clear that he intends to leave after completing the La Liga season. This leaves Madrid’s board with a decision to make regarding his successor for the Club World Cup, with Solari or Alonso both seen as potential candidates.

Meanwhile, at Manchester United, manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly looking to sell several players to fund a move for Matheus Cunha. The 25-year-old forward, who has caught the attention of top clubs due to his strong performances at Wolves, has a release clause of £62.5 million. United are reportedly ready to activate the clause and secure his signature, as the club seeks to bolster its attacking options after some underwhelming performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Cunha, who has already agreed to personal terms with Manchester United, is eager to make the move to Old Trafford. The club's interest in the Brazilian striker has been well-publicized, and with his release clause coming into play, United is moving closer to making the deal official. The forward’s move would be a significant addition to United’s squad, especially with the need for a more reliable goal scorer.

However, Manchester United’s plans for the summer transfer window are contingent on player sales. Several players, including Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford, are expected to be sold, which would generate funds for the club’s transfer activities. United will need to offload these players in order to meet the financial demands of the transfer market and secure the necessary reinforcements.

Amorim has acknowledged the importance of the upcoming summer transfer window, but has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his plans. He has suggested that the club's position in the Premier League and potential qualification for the Champions League will significantly influence his decisions. If United fails to qualify for the Champions League, the club’s budget will be impacted, which could make it more difficult to attract top talent.

In other news, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still undecided about his future with Liverpool. The England defender has been linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid, but as of now, he has not made any formal commitments. While he has not signed a new contract or addressed his intentions publicly, Alexander-Arnold was seen enjoying the team atmosphere at Liverpool’s recent match, sparking further speculation about his future. His connection to the club and his positive interactions with teammates suggest that he remains a valued member of the squad, but only time will tell whether he stays or moves to Madrid.

Xabi Alonso or Solari may succeed Ancelotti at Madrid

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