Bayer Leverkusen has officially announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso at the end of the current season, marking the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the club's history. The Spaniard, who took charge in October 2022, has led the team to unprecedented success, including their first Bundesliga title, the national Cup, and the Super Cup. His exit is expected to pave the way for a return to Real Madrid, a club where he enjoyed a successful playing career.
Alonso's decision to leave comes as he seeks new challenges, with reports indicating that he has agreed to a three-year contract with Real Madrid. Bayer Leverkusen will receive a compensation package of 8 million euros due to the early termination of his contract, which was initially set to run until 2026. In a statement on the club's official website, Bayer expressed gratitude for Alonso's contributions and confirmed that they will announce a new head coach 'in due course.'
During his tenure, Alonso transformed Bayer into a formidable force in German football. Under his guidance, the team not only clinched the Bundesliga title but did so without a single defeat, a feat that has never been achieved in the league's history. Alonso reflected on his time at Bayer, stating, "I must express great gratitude to the club, my players and staff, all employees and fantastic fans. Our success was the result of outstanding teamwork. This club, which showed me exceptional trust, fully deserved to win the German league title for the first time. I thank and admire everyone who helped make this triumph possible, including our victory in the Cup."
Alonso's leadership style and tactical acumen have earned him praise from club officials. Werner Wenning, Chairman of the Bayer Shareholders' Committee, remarked, "Together with Xabi, we created a history of success, winning the championship title without defeat, which had never happened in German football. He has always been an outstanding coach for our club and the entire Bundesliga. We are very grateful to him." Meanwhile, Fernando Carro, the club's General Director, noted that Alonso's impact has elevated Bayer's reputation both domestically and internationally, stating, "We achieved recognition in the entire football world thanks to the incredible success under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. We are proud that we did not suffer a single defeat and won the Bundesliga, reached the final of the Europa League, and claimed the Super Cup."
As Bayer prepares for its final two matches of the Bundesliga season against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz, the club is also looking ahead to the future. Candidates to replace Alonso include former player Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Como, and Fabian Hürzeler from Brighton. The search for a new head coach is underway as the club aims to build on the foundation laid during Alonso's successful tenure.
Alonso's next steps appear clearer, as he is set to take over Real Madrid following Carlo Ancelotti's departure on May 25, 2025. The Italian coach is expected to bid farewell to the club after their final match of the season, and Alonso's arrival is anticipated to bring a new era to the Santiago Bernabeu. Insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Alonso had previously rejected offers from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, patiently waiting for an opportunity from Real Madrid. Club president Florentino Perez has long held Alonso in high regard, viewing him as the ideal successor to Ancelotti.
The Santiago Bernabeu holds special significance for Alonso, who played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, and he has remained connected to the club since his retirement, working with their youth teams. His return to Madrid is not just about personal history; it symbolizes a potential shift in the club's fortunes as they look to reclaim their status among Europe's elite.
Alonso's first match as head coach of Real Madrid could come during the Club World Championship, scheduled to begin on June 18, 2025, where they are set to face Al-Hilal. As the football world watches closely, the anticipation surrounding Alonso's next chapter continues to grow.
In conclusion, Xabi Alonso's departure from Bayer Leverkusen marks the end of a significant era for the club, one filled with triumphs and historic achievements. As he prepares to embark on a new journey with Real Madrid, both the club and its supporters will undoubtedly remember his contributions fondly. With the promise of a bright future ahead, Bayer Leverkusen now faces the challenge of continuing the momentum built during his tenure.
