Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to join Real Madrid following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, with Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club now clarified.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly in line to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager next summer.

The former midfielder, previously linked with a potential move to Liverpool earlier in 2024, committed to staying at Bayer Leverkusen, where he is under contract until 2026. However, according to Sky Germany, Leverkusen expect Alonso to leave for the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Since transitioning to management, Alonso has earned widespread acclaim, notably breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance in Germany by leading Leverkusen to an undefeated season. His success has also reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti, who extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026 last season, has faced mounting pressure after a challenging start to the current campaign. Despite guiding Los Blancos to a 15th Champions League title, along with La Liga and Supercopa de España triumphs in 2023/24, Real Madrid currently trail Barcelona in La Liga, compounded by a 4-0 defeat to their Catalan rivals and a loss to AC Milan.

These setbacks prompted a meeting between club president Florentino Pérez and Ancelotti, with the board opting to retain the veteran coach for now. However, there are growing concerns within the Real Madrid hierarchy that Ancelotti’s tenure may be nearing its end.

Reports suggest Alonso has a clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract that could facilitate a move to Madrid. Ancelotti himself has hinted at stepping away from club management, recently stating on the Obi One Podcast:

“I think this will be my last club. If there were an opportunity with a national team, I don’t know. But I’m not so excited about that because I’d lose what I like most—the day-to-day. This is my 29th season as a coach. I’ve won a lot, but I’ve also l

ost a lot.”