BREAKING: Carlo Ancelotti holds talks with Real Madrid CEO amid sack rumors & January transfer windows plan

Carlo Ancelotti held discussions with Real Madrid CEO José Ángel Sánchez on Wednesday to address the team’s recent struggles and potential transfer strategies following their 5-2 Supercopa defeat to Barcelona.

According to ESPN, the meeting was described as routine, with both parties reviewing ongoing issues affecting Los Blancos this season. As reported by ESPN insider sources, Ancelotti and his staff have been pushing for defensive reinforcements since the summer.

Real Madrid were reportedly close to signing French defender Leny Yoro to replace Nacho, but the young talent ultimately signed with Manchester United. Another top target, Alphonso Davies, was considered a priority, but Madrid refrained from aggressive moves out of respect for Bayern Munich.

Kicker recently reported that Davies is now expected to renew his contract with the German champions, further complicating Madrid’s transfer plans.

Right-back Dani Carvajal’s injury has left Madrid searching for alternatives, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold identified as their main target.

However, sources close to ESPN confirmed that Liverpool rejected Madrid’s approach for the English full-back during the January window, making a summer move on a free transfer a more likely outcome.

In the meantime, Marca suggests that the coaching staff may rely on Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, or even Fede Valverde as stopgap solutions. David Alaba, who has recently returned to training after a year-long injury absence, is another option, though AS notes concerns about his match fitness and readiness for competitive action. Madrid’s defensive struggles have been apparent in recent matches.

According to Opta, Los Blancos have suffered defeats against Barcelona, AC Milan, and Liverpool, and only managed a draw against city rivals Atlético Madrid, who now lead LaLiga at the halfway mark. The absence of key defenders like Carvajal and Éder Militão, who suffered an ACL tear in November, has left Madrid vulnerable in high-stakes games.

ESPN’s sources highlight growing concerns over how the club will perform in the Champions League if reinforcements aren’t secured.

Despite the pressure, Ancelotti struck a composed tone during his press conference ahead of Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo. “I don’t follow the wave of criticism, that one day you are the best and the next you are the dumbest,” said Ancelotti, as quoted by ESPN.

“Fortunately, thanks to my experience, I have balance. I don’t think I’m the best, but I don’t think I’m the dumbest, either.”

Real Madrid remain just one point behind Atlético Madrid in LaLiga and are still active in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. According to AS, the club is optimistic that a strong second half of the season can still yield silverware, even if no January reinforcements arrive.

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