- Xabi Alonso is set to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti
- Alonso and the club have agreed on a three-year contract, with Real Madrid having the final say on transfers
- Ancelotti will leave after the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal, with a likely move to Brazil’s national team
Key Takeaways:
Xabi Alonso is set to become the successor to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. According to Marca the Bayer Leverkusen coach and the Spanish club have agreed on a three-year contract. Alonso has accepted one key condition — the club will have the final say on transfers. While Alonso will be involved in selection discussions and can suggest specific players, the final decision will rest with the club’s management.
🚨⚫️🔴 Xabi #Alonso is on the verge of leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with an official announcement expected soon.
Alonso is set to join Real Madrid — no doubt. He will sign a contract until 2028, according to Marca. First, however, Carlo Ancelotti’s departure is expected to be… pic.twitter.com/m1gEVYgSJ3
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 9, 2025
Marca reports that Ancelotti and Real Madrid have reached an agreement that the Italian coach will not continue with the club after the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal. At the Santiago Bernabeu, they have agreed to do everything possible to compete for the La Liga title, but regardless of the outcome, Ancelotti will officially part ways with Real Madrid on 25 May. He is likely to accept an offer to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
Alonso and Real Madrid’s management have already agreed on the positions that need to be strengthened this summer. The club has already secured Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join as a free agent from Liverpool. Marca also claims that the signing of a new left-back is complete, making a central defender and a midfielder the top priorities for the summer. Dean Huijsen is the main target for the central defender position.
Bayer Leverkusen will not stand in Alonso’s way, thanks to a gentleman’s agreement between the two parties. Additionally, the two clubs have a good relationship, so no issues are expected in this regard. Real Madrid will still pay some form of compensation to the German side.