Xabi Alonso 'to join Real Madrid' after Bayer Leverkusen exit as Carlo Ancelotti fate clear

Xabi Alonso could be set to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at next summer.

The former midfielder was widely linked to earlier in 2024 . Alonso's deal with the Bundesliga champions runs until 2026 but that Leverkusen expect the Spaniard to depart for the Bernabeu come the end of the season.

The World Cup winner has built a stellar reputation since beginning his managerial career and . Alonso is also said to have drawn interest from in the event departs.

Los Blancos boss Ancelotti also after signing an extension last season. Before that, the Italian's future had been widely speculated upon with the veteran even tipped to manage Brazil.

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After achieving a 15th title, in addition to and the Supercopa de Espana in 2023/24, Real have endured a more difficult start to this term. The Spanish side trail in the league after suffering a 4-0 defeat at home against their Catalan rivals.

Back-to-back defeats to Barca and AC Milan saw a meeting between Florentio Perez and Ancelotti at the club's Valdebebas headquarters. The board have since decided to continue with Ancelotti for the moment despite being under pressure.

Reports have suggested that some of Les Merengues' hierarchy feel Ancelotti's reign "could be exhausted" however. That is said to have seen Real make preparations to replace him in the summer, with Alonso claimed to have a clause in his deal that would allow him to leave for Spain's capital

Ancelotti's eventual exit could spark the end of a lengthy career in club management. “I think it will be my last club, I have to say” Ancelotti told the .

“If there would be an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know. I’m not so excited to be in a national team for the fact that I would lose what I like more, the day-by-day. The day-by-day I like. To be here, to prepare the training, to talk to the players, to prepare the games.

“This is my season number 29 as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost. I lost a lot."

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