Ernesto Valverde (Athletic Club)
May 2025
Athletic Club have extended head coach Ernesto Valverde’s contract by one year, allowing him to reach a decade in charge.
The LaLiga club’s longest-serving manager will lead the team into next season’s Champions League after a strong campaign, finishing 4th and reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid > Brazil National Team)
Effective May 26, 2025
Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will take over as Brazil’s national team manager.
Ancelotti leaves after a decorated six-season spell, winning 15 major titles including three Champions Leagues and two LaLiga titles. Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed him.
Turki Alalshikh, Championship & Premier League clubs
Ongoing talks (May 2025)
Several Championship clubs and at least one Premier League side have approached Saudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh regarding potential investment. Alalshikh, known for his global sports influence and recent ownership of Spanish side Almeria, could be entering English football for the first time.
Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, recently transferred ownership of Almeria to Saudi group SMC. His growing presence in global sport, especially boxing, makes him an attractive investor for English clubs targeting Premier League promotion.
Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
June 2025 (post-Club World Cup)
Real Madrid icon Luka Modrić will depart the club this summer following the Club World Cup in the U.S. He leaves as the most decorated player in Madrid history with 28 trophies over 13 seasons.
Modrić, 39, confirmed his decision in an emotional message, stating Saturday’s LaLiga finale will be his last at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite reduced minutes, he played 34 league games this season. He’ll exit having won six Champions Leagues and the 2018 Ballon d’Or. Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed him as a “unique and exemplary footballer.”
Joao Pedro (Brighton)
May 2025
Brighton have held internal discussions with Joao Pedro following a training ground clash with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke. The Brazilian missed the match against Liverpool despite being available after suspension.
The club has addressed the issue privately, with manager Fabian Hurzeler citing “private reasons” for Pedro’s absence. The striker’s involvement in the final match of the season against Tottenham remains uncertain.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
May 2025
Pep Guardiola warned Manchester City he would quit if forced to manage an oversized squad next season. After City’s first trophyless campaign since 2017, he emphasized he won’t accept leaving players out of matchday squads just to accommodate numbers.
Guardiola insisted on maintaining a smaller, emotionally connected squad, citing the emotional toll of sidelining players. With Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker expected to leave, City are planning major signings, but Guardiola is clear: fewer players or he walks.
Ben Mee (Brentford)
End of 2024/25 season
Brentford defender Ben Mee will depart the club when his contract expires, ending a three-year stint since joining in July 2022.
Mee announced Sunday’s match will be his final game at the Gtech Community Stadium. The 35-year-old thanked fans and stated he plans to continue playing elsewhere next season.
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
May 2025
Carlo Ancelotti defended Real Madrid’s transfer strategy amid a trophyless season, highlighting injuries to key defenders as the major factor. He expressed full support for the club’s ongoing rebuild, which includes deals for Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras.
Ancelotti ruled out regrets over January inaction, instead citing long-term absences of Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, and others. With Ancelotti set to leave for Brazil, Xabi Alonso is expected to lead the new-look side at the Club World Cup.
