Real Madrid have enjoyed a decent season under manager Carlo Ancelotti so far, having already won the Supercopa de Espana. The Italian remains on course to win the La Liga title for the first time in his managerial career. He has also taken his team to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos have begun contact with Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham. Elsewhere, the La Liga giants are ready to improve their offer for Erling Haaland.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on 24th March 2022:
Real Madrid begin contact for Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid have initiated contact with Borussia Dortmund regarding a possible move for Jude Bellingham, according to The Hard Tackle via Ramon Alvarez de Mon. The Englishman has been on fire since arriving at the Bundesliga giants in the summer of 2020. The La Liga giants are eager to add the 18-year-old to their roster next year.
Bellingham became a household name after breaking into the Birmingham City FC first team at the age of 16. His immense talent saw clubs around Europe line up for his signature, but it was Dortmund who won the race.
Thrust into a new league in a new country, the Englishman showed maturity beyond his years. He has already become a regular in the Bundesliga side, bagging ten goals and 17 assists, earning admiration from Los Blancos.
The La Liga giants are on the search for a new midfielder to take over the baton from Luka Modric. The Croatian continues to be indispensable for Ancelotti, but is in the twilight of his career. The 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, but Real Madrid are aware that they must prepare for the future. Bellingham has been earmarked as the ideal successor to Modric.
While the La Liga giants would like to have the Englishman in their ranks this summer, they are focused on more pressing matters. Securing the services of Kylian Mbappe is a priority, while Ancelotti also wants Erling Haaland at the Santiago Bernabeu. Signing the Norwegian could be a costly affair, which is why Ancelotti wants to pursue Bellingham next summer.
The Spanish giants are willing to keep a close eye on the 18-year-old’s development for now. They have already informed Dortmund about their desire to sign the Englishman next year.
Bellingham is a vital cog in Marco Rose’s midfield, so it's unclear whether the Bundesliga side will consider his departure. However, a lucrative offer from Los Blancos could convince them to part ways with the 18-year-old next summer.
Los Blancos ready to improve offer for Erling Haaland
Real Madrid are ready to improve their offer for Erling Haaland, according to The Hard Tackle via Defensa Central.
The Norwegian is among the most dangerous strikers in Europe at the moment. The 21-year-old is tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, and there’s already a melee for his signature. Ancelotti is in the market for a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema and believes Haaland could be his man.
The Norwegian, who has bagged 80 goals in 82 games for BvB, could be available on a cut-price deal this summer. However, he is likely to demand an exorbitant salary package.
La Liga giants Madrid are desperate to win the race for his signature and have already submitted an offer for the player. Los Blancos are now willing to raise their proposal to €22 million per year in a bid to secure the 21-year-old’s signature.
However, Manchester City are offering him €30 million annually to move to the Etihad and are leading the race for him at the moment.
Thomas Tuchel identified as Carlo Ancelotti replacement
Real Madrid have identified Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, according to SPORT.
The Italian’s position at the Santiago Bernabeu has come under threat after a 0-4 drubbing against Barcelona at home. Los Blancos are currently atop the league table, leading Sevilla by nine points, and remain the favourites to lift the trophy in May.
However, should Ancelotti fail to secure the league title, he could face the axe this summer. La Liga giants Madrid have zeroed in on Tuchel as a suitable replacement. The German manager’s future is up in the air following sanctions imposed on Blues owner Roman Abramovich for his reported links with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Russia's Ukraine invasion.