The timing of Xabi Alonso’s announcement is intriguing, especially given the persistent reports linking him with Real Madrid. What it means for Carlo Ancelotti and his rumored future with the Brazilian national team, is something that adds further drama to an already eventful end of season.
When Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso announced he would leave the German club at the end of the season, the soccer world braced itself for a ripple effect. The Spaniard, fresh off one of the most historic campaigns in Bundesliga history, confirmed his departure in a press conference, though he stopped short of naming his next destination.
The timing of Alonso’s announcement is intriguing, especially given the persistent reports linking him with Real Madrid. What it means for Carlo Ancelotti, the legendary Italian currently in charge of Los Blancos, and his rumored future with the Brazilian national team, is something that adds further drama to an already eventful end of season.
Alonso, who took over Leverkusen in October 2022 with the team hovering just above relegation, has transformed the club into a juggernaut. His side not only qualified for Europe in his first season but went on to win the Bundesliga in record-breaking fashion the following year, unbeaten, and ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign.
The club is now searching for his replacement. One of the front-runners is Como manager Cesc Fabregas, who is reportedly admired by Leverkusen’s board. As per Calciomercato, contacts have been made, though Fabregas is said to be committed to his project in Italy. Erik ten Hag has also been mentioned as a candidate.
Real Madrid’s next step—and what it means for Ancelotti
While Alonso refused to confirm it, all signs point to a return to Real Madrid, where he starred as a midfielder from 2009 to 2014. According to multiple outlets as well as Marcaand Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard has already agreed to a three-year contract with the club.
This impending arrival also signals the end of an era for Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful manager in Real Madrid history, with 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles. Ancelotti, whose second stint began in 2021, is reportedly preparing to take over Brazil after the season ends.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the situation on X (formerly Twitter):
“Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid will part ways with formal exit steps to follow after El Clásico. It’s over. The Italian coach will get a huge farewell as legend and then… Xabi Alonso, in.”
Romano added: “Carlo Ancelotti’s verbal agreement with Brazil for the World Cup 2026, still valid and available to be signed… The Federation, waiting for Ancelotti to sign.”
🚨🇧🇷 Carlo Ancelotti’s verbal agreement with Brazil for the World Cup 2026, still valid and available to be signed.
After issues on timing between CBF and Real Madrid, Carlo will proceed with exit steps after El Clásico.
The Federation, waiting for Ancelotti to sign. pic.twitter.com/6s0qwxUT8W
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2025
The timeline now seems inevitable: following El Clasico on May 11, Real Madrid will likely announce Ancelotti’s departure, paving the way for Alonso’s return to the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Brazil wants Ancelotti in place before their June World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador.
