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Xabi Alonso or Santiago Solari could replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid ahead of Club World Cup - Paper Round
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Updated 28/04/2025 at 09:53 GMT+1
Santiago Solari or Xabi Alonso are set to take charge of Real Madrid for the Club World Cup when Carlo Ancelotti leaves, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has yet to confirm his intentions amid reports of a free transfer to Real this summer. At Old Trafford, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim will likely sell Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in order to fund a move for Matheus Cunha.
Ancelotti: I might stay at Real Madrid, I might leave
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Real Madrid set to replace Ancelotti
The Athletic reports that Carlo Ancelotti is due to leave Real Madrid for Brazil before the Club World Cup.
As a result, either director of football Santiago Solari will step in temporarily, or they could attempt to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso.
The website states: "Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the club and will take the Brazil head coach role.
"Ancelotti, 65, was under contract at the Bernabeu until 2026 after signing an extension to his deal in December 2023, but training ground sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated he has already informed members of the dressing room of his intention to depart the club.
"The expectation is for Ancelotti to complete the La Liga season and join Brazil in June, meaning he is not set to take charge of Madrid for this summer’s Club World Cup.Â
"The board will have to choose who will lead the team in the tournament between an interim coach, with director of football Santi Solari the best placed, or a new one, with Xabi Alonso in pole position."
Man Utd ready to meet Cunha clause
The Sun relays reports in Spain that suggest that Manchester United are willing to pay the release clause for Matheus Cunha.
The 25-year-old has a release clause of ÂŁ62.5 million, and has already agreed terms with United.
The paper reports: "Manchester United have decided to pay Wolves star Matheus Cunha's release clause after agreeing personal terms, reports suggest.
"Cunha, 25, has been among the most sought-after forwards ahead of the summer transfer window following a raft of impressive performances at Molineux this season.
"United have made the striker a top target amid their search for a new hitman that will lead Ruben Amorim's attack next term, following some disappointing displays by Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
"According to Relevo, Man Utd intend to pay the Brazil international's asking price, which is worth a reported €62.5m (£53.6m), in the coming weeks.
"Cunha is keen to move to Old Trafford as he has reached a verbal agreement with the Red Devils."
Man Utd need to sell to buy
The Daily Express also believes United are hoping to close in on Wolves striker Cunha, but they will have to sell players.
Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are all out on loan and will probably be sold in the summer.
The paper explains: "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits he has a clear idea about the positions he will prioritise in the summer transfer window. However, the Portuguese boss has remained coy about his plans, insisting that they could change quickly before the end of the season based on different factors.
"One of those will be Champions League qualification, which United can achieve by lifting the Europa League next month. Returning to Europe's elite competition would boost Amorim's budget and make Old Trafford a more attractive destination for the continent's best players.
"With United rotting in 15th in the Premier League, no Europa League glory would result in the polar opposite outcome.
"United will have to sell players to boost his transfer kitty, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony among those likely to leave permanently."
Alexander-Arnold yet to commit to future
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet decided on his future as a Liverpool player, writes The Mirror.
The England defender has repeatedly been linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid, but is yet to make an announcement.
The paper writes: "Unlike Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold has not yet signed a new contract or spoken about his intentions amid speculation he could join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
"However, his emotions were there for all to see on Sunday afternoon as he soaked up the atmosphere, joining his team-mates for a rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.
"He was seen jumping onto the back of Ibrahima Konate, dancing with Andy Robertson and chatting with Liverpool owner John Henry. Later, he posted a video of himself singing along to Freed From Desire in the changing rooms with his team-mates as Liverpool fans filled social media with messages for him."
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