Spanish press reports have revealed that Xabi Alonso has decided to accept Real Madrid’s offer and take over as coach of the club starting next season, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen still runs until the summer of 2026. However, the German club has begun preparing for the post-Spanish era and will not stand in the way of his move to Real Madrid.
According to recent reports, Alonso will inform Bayer Leverkusen’s management within a few days of his decision to leave and join Real Madrid, having thoroughly considered the option over recent weeks.
Coaching Real Madrid has been a dream of Alonso’s since the beginning of his coaching career, and after two and a half seasons in Leverkusen, he believes the time is right to take this step, especially since he has the confidence of Florentino Pérez.
Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen does not include a release clause, but the German club will be flexible in negotiating with Real Madrid over the coach. Real Madrid will likely need to pay between €10 and €20 million to acquire the coach from the pharmaceutical company.
Alonso took over as Leverkusen coach in September 2023, with the team battling relegation. He quickly turned things around at the BayArena, leading the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup in his second season.
Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of La Liga, and there is a possibility, though not a strong one, that Alonso will coach Real Madrid in the Club World Cup. However, the current likelihood is that Santiago Solari will fill that role.
