Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly weighing offers from Saudi Arabia as his tenure with the Spanish giants approaches its end. According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, the Italian coach has received a lucrative offer from an unnamed Saudi club, sparking speculation about his future. This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its football profile by attracting top talents.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Football Vision
Saudi Arabia has become a key player in the global football market, with significant investments in clubs, infrastructure, and star players. The country’s football league, the Saudi Pro League, has already attracted global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. Recently, Real Madrid Brazilian star Vinicius Junior and Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah have been linked with potential moves to Saudi clubs, further underlining the kingdom’s ambition.
Real Madrid’s Plans for the Future
As Ancelotti contemplates his future, Real Madrid are preparing for a potential managerial transition. The club has identified Xabi Alonso, the current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, as the ideal successor. Alonso’s impressive performance in the Bundesliga, where he secured the domestic double and the German Super Cup with Leverkusen, has made him the frontrunner to replace Ancelotti.
Real Madrid’s management, led by Florentino Perez, is keen on bringing Alonso back to the Santiago Bernabeu. Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, has strong ties to the club and is seen as the perfect candidate to lead the team in the post-Ancelotti era.
Ancelotti’s Future: Club or National Team?
Ancelotti, who extended his contract with Real Madrid in November 2023, has hinted that the Spanish club could be his last in club management. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of coaching a national team, with the Brazil national team reportedly showing interest. This adds another layer of uncertainty to his future plans.
Despite the challenges faced by Real Madrid this season, Ancelotti’s departure at the end of the season seems increasingly likely. Saudi Arabia’s offer could be the final push for the Italian coach to explore new horizons in a league rapidly growing in global influence.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid will continue to monitor Alonso’s performance at Bayer Leverkusen. By the end of the season, the club will have a clearer picture of Alonso’s readiness to step into Ancelotti’s shoes and lead the team.
Saudi Arabia’s football project is rapidly evolving, and the potential addition of a coach like Ancelotti would further elevate its status on the global stage.
A Long Journey of Success
Carlo Ancelotti has had a distinguished career managing top football clubs, showcasing his tactical acumen and leadership. At Real Madrid, he led the team to multiple major titles, including the UEFA Champions League in 2014 and 2023. His tenure also saw Madrid secure the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Super Cup.
Prior to Real Madrid, Ancelotti achieved significant success with AC Milan, winning the Champions League twice (2003, 2007) and the Serie A title. His impressive resume extends to Chelsea, where he claimed the Premier League and FA Cup in 2010, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured Ligue 1 and the French Cup.
Ancelotti is also the first and only manager ever to have won league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues. He has won the FIFA Club World Cup three times, and is also the manager with the most UEFA Super Cup victories, having won the trophy on five occasions, managing Milan and Real Madrid.
