Carlo Ancelotti urges top defender to remain at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti hopes Nacho Fernandez will change his mind on leaving Real Madrid, as the defender nears the end of his contract.

The defender is set to come to the end of his 12 year spell with the first team when his contract ends this June, after spending his entire career in Madrid’s system.

It looked as if he had made his decision in regards to leaving, with links to other clubs even floating around in the Spanish press. However, now Madrid boss Ancelotti has has his say on the matter, encouraging Nacho to rethink his decision.

As per Marca, Ancelotti said: “Don’t do something crazy, stay here, with us, at Real Madrid.”

The defender made 45 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, including 12 in the Champions League. As the club captain, Nacho was crucial in a season during which Madrid clinched the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.

While the player has previously reported feeling unappreciated in his role, knowing that the Italian boss values his presence may be enough to convince Nacho to stay. Although, if they want to keep him, a contract deal needs to be reached, before another club swoops in.

Nacho has received rumoured interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and Lionel Messi’s club Inter Miami.

Madrid’s transfers have been hot topic as of late, with the Spanish giants finally closing the deal on signing French star Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain hero is set to join the likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as Madrid fight to retain their La Liga and Champions League crowns next season.