Xabi Alonso has announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current season, following three transformative years with the German club.
“This week, the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach,” Alonso confirmed during Friday’s news conference. “It’s always about the moment, and now is the right moment to announce it.”
While Alonso declined to discuss his future plans, sources at Real Madrid told ESPN that the Spanish coach is “close” to becoming their new manager, with current boss Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave after Madrid’s final LaLiga fixture against Real Sociedad.
Alonso’s tenure at Leverkusen has been nothing short of remarkable. After taking charge in October 2022 with the team battling relegation, he transformed them into Bundesliga champions, guiding them to a historic undefeated league campaign in 2023-24 as part of a domestic double.
“It’s been an unbelievable, fantastic three years,” Alonso reflected. “I think we can be proud of what we have achieved. We’ve been taking the club in the right direction.”
The former midfielder’s connection to Real Madrid runs deep, having played for the club between 2009 and 2014 before beginning his coaching career with their academy. ESPN has consistently reported that Alonso has long been Madrid’s preferred candidate to succeed Ancelotti.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his former player’s impact: “All the managers who had the opportunity, the pleasure as a player always knew he would be a manager. Going to Germany and fighting with Bayern Munich is so difficult.”
If appointed at Madrid, Alonso would face immediate challenges, including the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, where Madrid will debut against Al Hilal in Miami on June 18. When jokingly asked if he possessed a U.S. visa, Alonso responded that he had “no idea.”
The timing of Alonso’s announcement allows for a proper farewell at Leverkusen’s final home game against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, giving fans the opportunity to celebrate his extraordinary achievements with the club.
