Xabi Alonso will be standing down as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with the Spaniard widely expected to be announced as the new manager of Real Madrid.
The 43-year-old has been in charge of Leverkusen since October 2022, boasting a record of 88 wins, 32 draws and 18 defeats from his 138 matches in charge, winning the Bundesliga title, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup during an incredible 2023-24 campaign.
Bayern Munich have been confirmed as this season's Bundesliga champions, though, with Leverkusen set to finish as runners-up, which still represents a strong campaign for the club.
Alonso turned down the chance to manage Liverpool last summer, but he will be on the move ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard is preparing to take charge of Real Madrid.
"Together with Xabi Alonso we have written a success story just through winning the league title without defeat in a way not seen in German football," said Werner Wenning, chair of the shareholders committee at Leverkusen. "He was an outstanding ambassador at all times as coach both for our club as well as for the whole Bundesliga. Therefore, we are very grateful to Xabi Alonso."
© Imago
Alonso to leave Leverkusen this summer
CEO Fernando Carro added: "Bayer 04 have achieved lasting recognition in the football world through the targeted success under Xabi Alonso. Bringing the Meisterschale to Leverkusen unbeaten plus winning the DFB Pokal, reaching the Europa League final and winning the Supercup makes us very proud."
Meanwhile, sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said: "Together with Xavi, we have put together a team that has impressed the whole football world through quality on the pitch and mentality.
"We are proud of the big steps forward and the standing of the club today and wish Xabi all the best in his future roles. I'm sure our paths will often cross again."
Alonso also released a statement, with the Spaniard thankful to Leverkusen for believing in him.
"I owe great thanks to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, my players and staff, all the employees of the club and last but not least the fantastic fans. Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance," said Alonso.
""This club, who showed exceptional trust in me, very much deserved to win the German league title for the first time. My thanks and admiration go to everybody who helped to make this triumph happen including the DFB Pokal win in Berlin. Bayer 04 are ready for the future. The positive path will continue and I will be excited to follow it."
© Imago
Alonso 'set' to take charge of Real Madrid
During his press conference on Friday, Alonso was asked whether he had a valid visa for the United States, with Real Madrid preparing to head to the country in June for the Club World Cup.
"No idea! (Smiles)," responded the Leverkusen head coach.
According to Cadena SER, Alonso will arrive at Real Madrid in time to take charge of the club for the tournament, which is due to begin in the middle of June.
Los Blancos will take on Al-Hilal in their competition opener on June 18, before also tackling Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, and it will be fascinating to see how the capital side line up under a new manager.
Current head coach Carlo Ancelotti could only have four games left in charge of Real Madrid, including Sunday's La Liga clash against Barcelona, which comes before fixtures with Mallorca, Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
Los Blancos are second in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, demonstrating the importance of securing all three points in the latest instalment of El Clasico.
Matt Law
