Ancelotti confirms new Real Madrid contract for ‘best in the world’

23 Sep 2024 06:41 CDT
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Ferland Mendy has signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

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Ancelotti once described Mendy as “the best defensive player in the world”, yet there was some doubt over whether the 29-year-old might remain at the club.

Mendy joined Los Blancos in 2019 in a deal worth €48 million from Lyon and his contract was set to expire in June 2025.

READ MORE: Real Madrid top scorers 2024/25

Current ETV

ETV Range

€11.4M - €19M

Injury problems have troubled the France international since he arrived at the club, with frequent muscular complaints keeping him out for several weeks. After an early injury, he came through the 2023/24 campaign unscathed, allowing him to play 37 times for Real Madrid as they won the Champions League.

Mendy’s performances have now been rewarded with a new deal, Ancelotti has confirmed.

“We are delighted here, he has renewed his contract. He is doing very well,” the Italian said.

Mendy doing what Ancelotti asks of him

Mendy has six goals and 10 assists for Real Madrid in his 176 outings for the club, and while these numbers may appear poor for a modern full-back, they are not what Ancelotti is judging the player on.

“His defensive level is very high,” the coach said. “It is not that he has difficulties with the ball, but I do not ask him to do the work that other full-backs do.

“We have a very strong left winger, so there is no need to ask him much on an offensive level. He could do it, but we do not ask him to. It is better for him to stay back because sometimes he has to work when he is outnumbered.”

Mendy’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dipped to €15.2m from a high of €44.3m in July 2021 but once his new deal is formally announced by Real Madrid this will rise.

Read more about: La Liga, Real Madrid, Ferland Mendy