According to Marca, two players seemingly destined for the exit door at Real Madrid this summer could be set for an unlikely reprieve following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
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The Italian coach was relieved of his duties earlier in the week, and while some members of the Merengues squad—including star man Cristiano Ronaldo—were against the manager’s dismissal [via the Telegraph], some of the club’s players may well be happy to see a change at the top.
According to respected Spanish journalist Pipi Estrada, Coentrao has already decided to go to the Premier League and negotiate with clubs. The commentator, speaking on El Chiringuito de Jugones, previously confirmed that the Real Madrid would not put any obstacles in the way of the player’s departure, with Manchester United reportedly close to securing a deal for the full-back [via the Metro].
The ex-Benfica star managed only nine appearances in the Spanish top flight this term, of which five were starts.
Another player in a similar position is Asier Illarramendi, who was relegated to a reserve role under Ancelotti.
The Spain U21 international has been linked with a move to Liverpool, via the Metro.
The former Real Sociedad man has managed 30 appearances in La Liga this term, but only ten of his outings were starts.
However, according to Marca, the imminent arrival of Rafael Benitez at the Bernabeu may change the fortunes of these two peripheral players, with the Spanish source reporting that a bid of €15m had been rejected from the player’s former club.
It is believed that Benitez envisages a future for the two defensive players at the club, and may look to nix any potential departure for either player.