Xabi Alonso, the 43-year-old Basque manager currently leading Bayer Leverkusen, is widely regarded as the frontrunner to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s head coach in the summer of 2025.
Multiple sources indicate that negotiations are advanced, with a “gentlemen’s agreement” in place that could facilitate Alonso’s departure from Leverkusen.
His successful tenure at Leverkusen, highlighted by an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2023-24 season, has positioned him as one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches.
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder (2009–2014), has emerged as a managerial prodigy since taking over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.
Under his leadership, Leverkusen transformed from a relegation-threatened side to German champions, achieving an unprecedented unbeaten domestic season in 2023-24.
His tactical acumen, rooted in a 3-4-2-1 formation, high pressing, and fluid attacking play, has drawn comparisons to elite managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, have faced a challenging 2024-25 season, marked by an early Copa del Rey exit, a Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal, and inconsistent La Liga performances.
Despite Ancelotti’s contract running until 2026, reports suggest he may depart after the Club World Cup in July 2025, potentially to coach the Brazilian national team or retire from club management.
Alonso’s prior connection to Real Madrid as a player, combined with his managerial success, makes him the ideal candidate to usher in a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu.
