Real Madrid have confirmed the permanent appointment of interim boss Santiago Solari on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Argentine was appointed to initially temporarily replace the dismissed Julen Lopetegui at the European champions following the side’s 5-1 El Clasico defeat last month.
La Liga rules dictate that such an appointment is only valid for two weeks meaning that Madrid had to confirm their decision on Solari by November 13.
The surprise comes in the length of the contract – initial reports had suggested a deal only until the end of the current campaign, while others had called a contract until 2020.
However, Solari has now been confirmed on a two-and-a-half year deal until June 2021, meaning he will see out the current season alongside the next two campaigns.
The former midfielder has guided Los Blancos to victories over Melilla, Valladolid, Viktoria Plzen and Celta Vigo – scoring 15 goals in the process, helping boost his prospects of the role.
