Ancelotti’s Request to Sign Kyle Walker Rejected by Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly had a January transfer request denied by the club, as he sought to bring in England defender Kyle Walker, teammate of Jude Bellingham. The request came amid injury concerns for key defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, but the club ultimately chose not to act. Walker instead went on loan to AC Milan from Manchester City.
Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season, ending a successful run that included 15 trophies over two terms. Despite public denials of any conflict, reports suggest internal tensions between Ancelotti and President Florentino Pérez. Criticism over squad discipline and fitness, as well as the manager’s handling of younger players, reportedly played a role.
With Real Madrid unlikely to win any major trophies this season—Barcelona recently extended their league lead with a 4-3 El Clásico win—attention turns to Ancelotti’s future. He is rumored to be in discussions with the Brazilian Football Confederation to take over their national team.
Meanwhile, his son and assistant, Davide Ancelotti, may also pursue a head coaching role after years of working alongside his father at several top European clubs.
As the club prepares for a new chapter, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ancelotti, especially after confirming his exit from Bayer Leverkusen.
