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Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. He is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Los Blancos coach with the Italian tactician reportedly on his way out next summer.
Xabi Alonso was game-changing for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, leading them to win the Bundesliga with an unbeaten run alongside the DFB-Pokal. His side only lost one game last season - the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta. During his playing career, Alonso represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, making over 230 appearances. On all fronts, Alonso seems to be the perfect candidate to replace Ancelotti.
According to Eurosport Spain, Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen next summer as a free agent, despite his contract ending in June 2026. Spanish international left-back Alejandro Grimaldo will also reportedly leave the club alongside Alonso.
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The aforementioned report further claims that Alonso is the top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. The Italian tactician's contract also ends in 2026 but there will be no delays. The coach has reportedly informed multiple players in the Leverkusen dressing room of his decision to leave at the end of the season.
Apart from Los Blancos, another possible destination for Alonso could be replacing Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich if the Belgian is unable to bring results this season. Real Sociedad could reportedly be another likely destination for Alonso, although he is not keen on the move, per the report.
"I would say if Real Madrid fired me" - Carlo Ancelotti makes feelings clear about retirement
In an interview with L'Equipe, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts about retiring from management. The Italian manager said (via Fabrizio Romano):
"What could make me retire? I would say if Real Madrid fired me (laughs). I don’t know what would make me stop. My family? No. My wife wants me to continue!”
Reports of Carlo Ancelotti's future at the Bernabeu being bleak resurfaced after Los Blancos lost two consecutive crucial games at home. They lost against arch-rivals Barcelona (4-0 in LaLiga) and AC Milan (3-1 in the UEFA Champions League). The Merengues also stand six points behind league leaders Barcelona in LaLiga.
Ancelotti started his current stint with Los Blancos in 2021, winning two Champions League titles, two LaLiga titles, and one Copa del Rey among other honors. He has previously managed the Spanish giants from 2013 and 2015, winning one Champions Leagu.
He has recorded 222 wins in 308 games over both his stints at the club.
