Real Madrid have been left reeling by Leny Yoro’s decision to join Manchester United, turning down Los Blancos in the process. So certain were they that they would sign Yoro, they allowed Rafa Marin to join Napoli, but have now been left short. Carlo Ancelotti wants Real Madrid to act as a result.
An issue Ancelotti has always been partisan on is Ferland Mendy, who he has asked Real Madrid to renew, with just a year left on the 29-year-old’s contract. Los Blancos started negotiations this month, and are confident of wrapping up talks before the season starts. With no Yoro arriving, and potentially no-one else at all, Ancelotti has made it crystal clear he wants to be able to rely on Mendy.
The French defender has been described as the ‘best defensive left-back’ in the world by Ancelotti, and he feels his prowess without the ball is crucial to balance out the attacking assets ahead of him. Real Madrid remain in negotiations for Alphonso Davies, but that is unlikely to be settled for some weeks yet, say Marca.
Ancelotti’s concern is understandable. This season he moved Jude Bellingham out to the left in order to become more solid defensively, and it seems unlikely that Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior will suddenly find a keen desire to track opposing full-backs. Mendy at least tends to provide a solid base and can handle the defending with just a little help.
