Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is poised to reveal his highly anticipated decision regarding his future, as speculation continues to swirl about a potential move to Real Madrid. The 43-year-old Spanish tactician, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents, has been heavily linked with the managerial role at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he could succeed current boss Carlo Ancelotti. With an announcement expected imminently, the football world is on edge awaiting clarity on Alonso’s next step.
Alonso’s remarkable tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has fueled the rumors. Since taking the helm in October 2022, he has transformed the club, leading them to an historic Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season—their first ever—while ending Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance in German football. His innovative tactics, dynamic style, and ability to maximize the potential of his squad have not only earned him praise but also caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid at the forefront.
Sources indicate that Alonso’s decision could come as early as today, March 27, during a pre-match press conference ahead of Leverkusen’s clash with Bochum. Last year, on March 29, 2024, Alonso announced his intent to remain with Leverkusen for the 2024-25 season, turning down offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Now, a year later, the former midfielder faces a similar crossroads, with reports suggesting he is deeply involved in planning Leverkusen’s squad for the upcoming season—a sign that he may opt to stay in Germany.
Real Madrid, where Alonso spent five successful years as a player between 2009 and 2014, has long viewed him as the ideal candidate to take over from Ancelotti, whose contract runs until 2026. Despite the Italian’s continued success, including a La Liga and Champions League double in 2022, the club is known for its forward-thinking approach to managerial transitions. However, recent reports suggest Alonso is reluctant to force Ancelotti’s departure and may prefer to wait until the veteran coach’s tenure naturally concludes, potentially aligning his arrival with 2026.
Adding to the complexity, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has expressed confidence in retaining Alonso, emphasizing the coach’s happiness and stability at the club. “We assume he will be the coach next year,” Carro said earlier this month, pointing to Alonso’s comfortable family life in Germany and his pivotal role in shaping the team’s future alongside sporting director Simon Rolfes. The potential contract extension of star player Florian Wirtz could further incentivize Alonso to stay.
On the flip side, some close to Alonso believe his dream of managing Real Madrid—a club he won the Champions League with as a player in 2014—might eventually pull him back to Spain. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with fans noting his house-hunting efforts in Düsseldorf as a possible hint of commitment to Leverkusen, while others speculate it’s only a matter of time before he returns to the Spanish capital.