Former Bayer Leverkusen manager is expected to coach Los Blancos at the FIFA Club World Cup
Xabi Alonso is set to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, after it was officially announced that Carlo Ancelotti will be leaving this May to take charge of the Brazil national team.
Alonso’s appointment is expected to be confirmed by Real Madrid in time for him to lead the club into their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in June.
The 43-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in management since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. Under his guidance, the German club enjoyed a historic 2023/24 season, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, and narrowly missing out on an unbeaten treble after falling to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
His impact in Leverkusen has been praised by pundits for his tactical ability and attacking flair. It is hoped that he can translate that to a Real Madrid side that has often been accused of relying only on special individual moments.
Alonso officially announced his departure from Leverkusen on Friday, with reports confirming that he has been released from his contract a year early, originally set to expire in 2026. The move clears the way for him to return to the club where he won a Champions League, La Liga title, and Copa del Rey during his playing career.
The Spaniard is expected to be on the touchline for Real Madrid’s opening match in the Club World Cup where they face Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, according to Sky Germany.
“He’s got a gentleman’s agreement with Leverkusen that if one of the clubs that he played for came in for him, then he’d be allowed to leave,” explained Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
“So we’re talking Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid. Sky Germany this afternoon reported they think he will definitely be the Real Madrid manager, and also he will be in place for the Club World Cup next month.
“Their first game is on 18 June against Al Hilal in Miami, so he’s somebody else who’s not really going to be getting much of a summer holiday, but then Real Madrid don’t come calling very often.”
