Xabi Alonso is set to return to Real Madrid as the club's head coach, officially taking over the reins on May 25, 2025, according to reports from Marca. This significant move paves the way for Carlo Ancelotti to conclude his successful tenure at the Bernabeu and transition to the Brazilian national team. Ancelotti, who has led Real Madrid to a staggering 15 titles during his two terms, is expected to leave the club at the end of May, marking the end of an era that fans will not soon forget. To honor his contributions, Real Madrid plans to hold a grand farewell ceremony for the Italian manager.
Alonso's departure from Bayer Leverkusen comes after an impressive two-season stint, where he guided the club to their first Bundesliga championship and achieved an undefeated record throughout the season. Under his leadership, Leverkusen not only clinched the league title but also reached the finals of both the national cup and the Europa League. His remarkable coaching performance has set the stage for a promising return to the club where he spent six years as a player, winning one La Liga, two Copa del Rey titles, and one Champions League.
As Alonso prepares to sign a three-year contract with Real Madrid, the club has already begun its strategic planning for the summer transfer window. Reports indicate that Real Madrid has reached an agreement to sign right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer, strengthening their defensive lineup. Additionally, the team is eyeing several other targets, including left-back Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona, midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and William Saliba from Arsenal.
Alonso's return to Madrid has been met with excitement from fans, many of whom hope he will bring some of his former Leverkusen players along with him. In a light-hearted moment during a press conference on May 9, Alonso joked, "I don't dare promise in advance whether I will bring any Leverkusen players or not," indicating that while he may consider familiar faces, no guarantees can be made at this time.
Leverkusen announced their agreement to terminate Alonso's contract a year early, allowing him to join Real Madrid without any compensation fees. This decision reflects the respect and admiration the club has for Alonso's achievements, which have been monumental in their recent history. Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's sports director, described the "Alonso era" as a milestone in the team's development, emphasizing the positive impact he has had during his tenure.
Alonso took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022 when the club was struggling at the bottom of the Bundesliga table. His tactical acumen and motivational skills transformed the team, leading them to a sixth-place finish in his first season, which secured a spot in the Europa League. The following season, he orchestrated a remarkable campaign, culminating in the club's first-ever Bundesliga title and a European record of 51 consecutive unbeaten matches across all competitions.
As Alonso embarks on this new chapter at Real Madrid, he faces the daunting task of competing against fierce rivals, particularly FC Barcelona, who have been dominant in recent seasons. The pressure will be on him to deliver immediate results and reclaim the prestigious titles that have eluded the club in recent years.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Real Madrid is expected to make significant moves to bolster their squad. The potential acquisition of players like Alexander-Arnold and Gutiérrez demonstrates the club's ambition to return to the top of European football. Fans are eager to see how Alonso will shape the team's identity and strategy moving forward.
As for Leverkusen, the search for Alonso's successor is underway. Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag, who has been unemployed since his dismissal from Manchester United in October 2024, is a leading candidate to take over the managerial position. The club will be looking for someone who can continue the momentum generated during Alonso's tenure and build on the success achieved over the past two seasons.
In conclusion, Xabi Alonso's return to Real Madrid marks a significant moment in both his career and the club's history. With a promising future ahead and a strong squad potentially taking shape, the upcoming season is shaping up to be an exciting one for both Alonso and the Real Madrid faithful.
