By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Chus Mateo will continue as the head coach of Real Madrid for two more years.
On an expiring contract, he will sign a new two-year deal, Spanish outlet AS reported on Thursday.
Mateo, 55, was in talks for a contract extension over recent months. After his side was forced to the wrong end of the championship game of the 2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four, his efforts culminated in winning the ACB championship on Wednesday, leading to a new contract. In his first full season as the play-caller, he guided Los Blancos to the 11th EuroLeague title in team history.
Heading to the 2024-25 season, the team based in the capital of Spain is also addressing necessary roster adjustments, besides retaining Mateo.
Mario Hezonja, among players on expiring contracts, has been vocal about negotiations and hinted toward a contract extension after his side was crowned Liga Endesa champion. “I would like to give back to our people, to my club, to Real Madrid, many titles in the coming years,” he mentioned, “I hope it happens.”
🙌🏆Mario Hezonja dreams of winning many more titles with Real Madrid in the years to come pic.twitter.com/UQ6IGa1l08
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) June 13, 2024
In a similar situation with the Croatian forward, Dzanan Musa also wants to stick around. Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck, and Guerschon Yabusele are among the players already under contract for the next season. Furthermore, Walter Tavares has reached a deal for a multiyear contract extension.
Departures and newcomers
Besides Rudy Fernandez retiring, Sergio Rodriguez is likely to call it a day as well. Additional expiring contracts attached to Fabien Causeur and Vincent Poirier are on their way to the exit. However, the plan to replace departing players seems clear.
Projected to boost the frontline, Usman Garuba has a deal with his former team, per Eurohoops sources. Barring a good offer from an NBA team, the reunion with the 22-year-old big will be official during the offseason.
Another possible summer addition, Serge Ibaka is expected to leave FC Bayern Munich as a free agent and partner up with Tavares and Garuba.
Incoming reinforcements for the wing, Andres Feliz and Xavier Rathan-Mayes will be on the roster for the 2024-25 season.