Xabi Alonso is set to say yes to Real Madrid, with his move set to be finalized as soon as the exit process with Carlo Ancelotti is officially completed. This transition comes at a significant moment, as Bayer Leverkusen is hastening the search for a new head coach, anticipating Alonso’s departure. Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that negotiations are already in progress, marking a pivotal chapter for both clubs.
Real Madrid is on the brink of closing a remarkable era in its history, with the farewell to Carlo Ancelotti scheduled for May 25. Ancelotti’s achievements with Real Madrid are nothing short of legendary, earning a space in the history books of football not just for the Madrid entity, but within the broader specter of the sport itself. His impressive record includes three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two Spanish Super Cups, with the current league championship still pending. With 15 titles won under his management, Ancelotti has eclipsed the legendary Miguel Muñoz, cementing his legacy at the club.
On the specified date of May 25, Ancelotti will bid farewell, and Real Madrid will usher in a new phase under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. Both Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s management have amicably agreed to pause all activities regarding the league title pursuit, choosing instead to focus on a fitting and respectful farewell to the esteemed Italian coach.
The formal agreement for Ancelotti’s departure was reached following the Champions League tie against Arsenal, during which Ancelotti and the club’s directors engaged in discussions that concluded with a mutual decision to part ways. Until that moment, the club’s leadership had been discreetly exploring options in the coaching market, with Xabi Alonso prominently featured as a candidate for the future. Ancelotti, aware of the Brazilian national team’s interest in his services, accelerated contacts regarding his own future, which will likely lead to his appointment as the coach leading Brazil’s five-time world champions through to the 2026 World Cup.
Alonso, set to sign a three-year contract with Real Madrid, has a deep understanding of the current team dynamics. Although he left Valdebebas in 2019 to chart his path in professional football, he has maintained a close connection to the club. His coaching journey began with Real Madrid’s youth team, Sanse, where he honed his skills over three seasons. In 2022, he took the reins at Bayer Leverkusen, where he remarkably led the team to an unprecedented Bundesliga and Cup double in 2024, breaking Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance that had stretched over eleven consecutive seasons.
As Alonso prepares to take the helm at Real Madrid, the anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable, with many eager to witness how he will shape the team’s future following Ancelotti’s illustrious tenure. This new chapter promises to be filled with excitement and potential as Real Madrid embraces the next phase of its storied legacy.
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