El Clasico earthquake: How transfer plans for EVERY major club changed in 90 minutes

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 28 Oct 2024 13:09 GMT
• 4 min read

A single match can be a long time in football, and never is that truer when that match is El Clasico.

Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid on Saturday at the Bernabeu was a watershed moment of the season, and not simply because it has propelled the Camp Nou side hurtling towards another LaLiga title. Six points clear at the top of the table and with a superior head-to-head record to Los Blancos, the crown already looks Barca’s to lose.

The consequences are likely to be far-reaching and will impact several leading stars and nearly all major teams across Europe.

Ancelotti’s future plunged into doubt

Carlo Ancelotti only lost one game as Real Madrid head coach over 90 minutes last season, yet a second loss in the space of a month has suddenly put the Italian’s position under threat.

According to reports, Los Blancos’ hierarchy are “furious” with the manner of their defeat to Barca and have lined up Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso to take the reins of the club.

With Ancelotti’s position suddenly vulnerable, this could affect Man Utd’s decision over Erik ten Hag. If they continue to dally over sacking the Dutchman, an even more attractive vacancy will be opened, potentially threatening the Red Devils’ ability to secure their preferred candidate.

This will probably not be the case, however, if United have their eyes fixed on Xavi - the former Barcelona boss.

Meanwhile, across the other side of Manchester, City will need to find an alternative replacement for Pep Guardiola should he leave at the end of the season. Alonso had been strongly tipped for that job.

New deal for Raphinha: what now for Nico Williams?

The expectation was that Nico Williams would replace Raphinha at Barcelona next summer, yet the Brazilian has made a remarkable start to the season, culminating in a goal and an assist against Los Blancos.

Having also scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich, captaining the team in both games, Barcelona want to renew the former Leeds star’s contract, according to Sky Sports. A deal that runs until 2030 has been touted.

Compared

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

VS

Raphinha

F (RL), M (C)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F (RL), M (C)

Barcelona

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

11	Appearances	14
1	Goals	10
3	Assists	7
17	Key Passes	47

Raphinha hasn’t decided on his future yet but if he chooses to stay, Nico Williams suddenly becomes a valid target for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG, who had followed the Spain international star last summer.

Meanwhile, Man Utd, who had been credited with an interest in Raphinha will have to look for a left winger elsewhere, with Nico Williams doubtless being one of the players they will consider.

Real Madrid ‘obliged’ to make January move: Alexander-Arnold in sight?

The manner in which Real Madrid crumbled means that they will be “obliged” to make moves in the January transfer window, according to AS.

A central midfielder in the mould of Toni Kroos is missing, but more immediately Los Blancos need cover, with the right-back area one sector in particular identified as a weakness.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu, and while a difficult January target, may be someone they seek to move immediately for. Out of contract next summer, there is the possibility the England star could be signed for a (relatively) small fee.

Al-Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte is another player who could potentially sign, AS reports, with the former Manchester City star known to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia.