Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. For one, on the surface this decision makes a lot of sense given Zidane’s anticipated return to Real Madrid as their manager. The move comes as the Spanish football icon establishes himself as one of Europe’s most promising coaching talents. He has impressed and outpaced expectations since taking over at Leverkusen in 2022. Alonso’s departure is set against the backdrop of Carlo Ancelotti’s uncertain future at Real Madrid, where he is expected to vacate his position after this season.
It means Bayer Leverkusen have agreed to let Alonso go a year early from his contract. This underhanded, albeit legal, move allows him to transfer to Real Madrid without any transfer fee. His original deal with Leverkusen ran until the summer of 2026. This ruling makes remarkable breakthrough modifications for both clubs. Alonso’s success at Leverkusen has been nothing short of incredible. He led the club to their first Bundesliga title and a league-cup double in his debut season in charge.
With one game left in their season, the team next plays on May 17 against Mainz, where they will look to cause more havoc. Alonso has been adamant that he’ll say nothing about any future plans until after Thursday’s match.
A Stellar Coaching Career
Alonso took over Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the brightest coaching prospects in Europe. Under his leadership, the club would win their first ever Bundesliga title with a historic unbeaten league season. Last year, they pulled off a stunning league and cup double as well. His tactical acumen and leadership have drawn widespread acclaim, positioning him as a potential successor to Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s current manager and a former teammate of Alonso’s, was another impressed by his start at Leverkusen. He remarked, “The impact on Leverkusen has been unbelievable,” emphasizing how Alonso’s managerial skills have transformed the team. Guardiola noted that all managers who had the privilege of coaching Alonso as a player recognized his potential as a manager.
“All the managers who have had the pleasure to have him as a player realised he’d be a manager.” – Pep Guardiola
The Real Madrid Connection
Alonso’s relationship with Real Madrid is deep. He had an equally illustrious playing career there, winning nearly every major trophy offered. The possibility of his return has already stirred and energized the market, exciting fans and investors to the core. Given the uncertainty over Ancelotti’s future, the transition seems a natural one to be making for both Alonso and Real Madrid.
Now, of course, speculation is rampant about Ancelotti’s hanging up his cleats. On the other side, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reticent and not hasty to cut ties with the seasoned coach, who most recently signed a deal extending his contract through 2026. For almost all observers there’s little doubt that Alonso is the first choice to step in once Ancelotti leaves.
All season long, Alonso has been mum on his future, reiterating the need to finish the season on a high note with Leverkusen. He stated, “This week, the club and I have agreed that these are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach.” He further added, “When the season is wrapped, then it will be the moment for the next thing. Not the moment for that.”
Looking Ahead
Alonso is preparing for his last few games as manager of Bayer Leverkusen. So naturally, everyone’s now wondering what this means for his future at Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are known for their demanding standards, cut-throat competitiveness, and overarching pressure to win. If Alonso does accept the job, he wouldn’t get a grace period – far from it.
As supporters continue to watch and hope for confirmation of his appointment, Alonso’s largely successful time at Leverkusen should’ve given him some good experience under his belt. His capacity to compete with big boys like Bayern Munich with same robust musical bent has already earned Cholo praise from colleagues and many observers.
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