How Carlo Ancelotti engineered Real Madrid return and the meagre compensation fee Everton received

Everton netted just €5 million in compensation after Carlo Ancelotti left for Real Madrid last summer, reports suggest.

Spanish media outlet AS (via Sport Witness) has explained how the Italian's surprise departure to return to the Spanish giants supposedly transpired.

What happened?

Ancelotti made a shock exit from the Goodison Park in June - just 18 months into the job.

According to AS, Ancelotti initially held talks with Real general manager Jose Angel Sanchez about the possibility of any players that might be available for the Toffees to recruit.

After then finding out the Santiago Bernabeu club hadn't yet found a replacement for Zinedine Zidane, who had been sacked as manager, Ancelotti is said to have replied: “Well, you already have”.

Ancelotti then phoned Los Blancos presider Florentino Perez, who accepted the proposal and an agreement was struck in just 10 minutes.

Key clause

A clause in Ancelotti's contract meant he could return to the Spanish capital - where he won the Champions League in 2014 - for a modest €5 million.

AS also claims the former AC Milan chief funded much of his move from his Crosby home to Madrid himself.

How did Ancelotti fare at Everton?

Although many fans were incensed when Ancelotti made a quick getaway, he failed to live up to his reputation.

After succeeding Marco Silva in December 2019, the ex-Bayern Munich chief could only guide Everton to 12th spot in the Premier League.

And last season, the Toffees finished a disappointing 10th despite substantial fees being paid for Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and Ben Godfrey.

There was also James Rodriguez's arrival, with the Colombian reportedly earning £200,000 per week in wages.

As a consequence, it's contributed to Everton being restricted by financial fair play rules after Rafa Benitez succeeded Ancelotti.