Carlo Ancelotti, the respected manager of Real Madrid, has officially poured cold water on widespread reports suggesting that the Spanish giants are actively working on major transfer moves ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. The Italian tactician made this clear during his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Getafe.

In recent weeks, speculation has been rife across Spanish and European media outlets linking the club with a potential free transfer deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, alongside other notable names such as William Saliba from Arsenal, Dean Huijsen from Juventus, and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. Despite this, Ancelotti reiterated that Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy has always been, and continues to be, one centered on making decisions only at the conclusion of each season.

Addressing the media, Ancelotti said, “We’ve never thought about signings during the season here. The club always thinks about signings at the end of the season. Our focus remains entirely on the competitions we are currently involved in.”

This clarification comes amid a turbulent backdrop of rumours suggesting Real Madrid may already be making succession plans for Ancelotti’s eventual departure, with Bayer Leverkusen boss and club legend Xabi Alonso repeatedly tipped as his potential successor. Reports claim that Alonso has been cleared to leave his role at Leverkusen should a formal approach from Madrid arrive.

Despite these swirling reports, Ancelotti maintained a calm and composed demeanor, reaffirming his love for his current role at the Santiago Bernabéu. “I love this bench. I loved it the first time, I’m loving it the second time… if one day it ends, I’ll be grateful and take my hat off to this club. Nothing more,” the 64-year-old said.

He also acknowledged the difficulties faced during the current campaign, including an extended injury crisis that has plagued several of his first-team regulars. Nevertheless, Ancelotti emphasized his ability to thrive under pressure, describing it as a necessary part of his profession. “It could have been done better… I take responsibility for some mistakes. But this is an evaluation for the end of the season. Pressure is part of the job — it’s fuel, not a burden.”

Ancelotti’s comments have effectively silenced, for now, the ongoing transfer gossip surrounding Real Madrid, reaffirming the club’s long-standing policy of assessing their squad and making transfer decisions only after the final whistle of the season’s last competitive match.