Real Madrid add Andoni Iraola to shortlist of potential replacements for Carlo Ancelotti

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will join Xabi Alonso on the Real Madrid shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti, should the Italian leave this summer.

Mail Sport understands contingency plans in the event of Ancelotti going now include Iraola, who is represented by the same Spanish agency as Alonso.

There were reports in Spain this week of Ancelotti being ready to walk away at the end of the season, subsequently played down by the 65-year-old. 

But while the manager’s future is uncertain, Bernabeu chiefs will devise a succession strategy.

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso has long been the favourite to replace Ancelotti. However, Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, said this week that he expects the former Real midfielder to stay at the club beyond this season.

That has brought Iraola into focus in Madrid. His work at Bournemouth has not gone unnoticed, with the Cherries fifth in the Premier League and playing an attacking brand of football that several bigger rivals have struggled to live with this season. 

Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave the Bernabeu this summer despite playing down speculation 

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has long been linked with a return to the club he once played for

Madrid are hoping to give Ancelotti the perfect send off this season with more domestic and continental honours

They have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle during their rise to the Champions League places.

Indeed, Tottenham would have Iraola near the top of their list were Ange Postecoglou to go, but there is now talk in Premier League circles of Madrid’s interest. The 42-year-old has only 18 months to run on his Bournemouth contract, and that leaves the South Coast club vulnerable to an approach this summer.

Iraola managed Madrid-based Rayo Vallecano for three years before moving to Bournemouth in 2023.