Master coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly close to making a return to Real Madrid. According to media reports, the Bayer Leverkusen coach is set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at his former club. The Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the Spaniard will sign a three-year contract with the Champions League record winners. Alonso has apparently already informed Bayer Leverkusen about his departure at the end of the season, as noted by Sky.
For Alonso, this move would mark a return to Madrid, where he experienced the peak of his playing career, winning the Champions League, the league title, and the cup with the club. After retiring as a player, the 43-year-old began his coaching career at Real Madrid in the youth sector.
According to the unconfirmed report by Marca, Alonso will also bring his assistants Sebas Parrilla and Alberto Encinas to Madrid. This move to his former club has been anticipated, as speculation has been growing for weeks.
Alonso Expected to Take Over Next Season
When questioned about his future, Alonso, who still has a contract with Bayer until 2026, has consistently avoided giving clear answers. He is scheduled to speak at a press conference in Leverkusen at 2:00 PM ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. This match could be his last home game in Leverkusen.
Real Madrid and Ancelotti reportedly decided to part ways after the Champions League exit against Arsenal, paving the way for Alonso. It remains unclear who will be on the sidelines for Real during the Club World Cup. One possibility is Director of Professional Football, Santiago Solari. Alonso would then take over at the beginning of the new season.
Leverkusen’s Double Champion
Officials at Bayer Leverkusen have recently stated they would not hinder Alonso’s move should a club he previously played for want him as a coach. The possibility of the Leverkusen mastermind moving to the Spanish capital has always been considered likely. Alonso played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014 before transferring to Bayern Munich.
Bayer 04 was Alonso’s first station as a professional coach. In his second season with the club, he led them to a double of the German championship and the DFB-Pokal, marking the first league title in the club’s history.
In the 2023/24 season, Bayer remained unbeaten throughout the entire league campaign, becoming the first Bundesliga team to achieve this. Additionally, Bayer reached the Europa League final but lost to Atalanta Bergamo. Alonso has become a fan favorite in Leverkusen, celebrated with street signs and large posters.