Xabi Alonso has been Real Madrid’s top priority to coach the team next season, and the Spaniard has now communicated his final decision to Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso has become one of the most sought-after coaches in European football, thanks to his remarkable work at Bayer Leverkusen. With the 2024–25 season nearing its end, and amid growing speculation linking him to Real Madrid, the Spanish manager has now communicated his final decision to the German club.
After leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023–24—the first in the club’s history—Alonso attracted serious interest from elite teams. Bayern Munich made a push to hire him, but contract complications stalled those plans. Now, with Real Madrid showing strong interest as they prepare for life after Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso and Leverkusen have made their intentions clear.
Bayer Leverkusen released a statement confirming that Xabi Alonso will leave the club at the end of the 2024–25 campaign. The former midfielder has long dreamed of managing Real Madrid, and with Los Blancos reportedly preparing for Ancelotti’s departure, Alonso appears poised to return to his boyhood club.
“After almost two-and-a-half years, and during the most successful period in the club’s history, our head coach, Xabi Alonso, will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season,” the German side wrote on X.
While other names such as Jürgen Klopp have been floated as potential successors to Ancelotti, Alonso has consistently been Real Madrid’s top priority. His deep understanding of the club, both as a former player and a rising managerial talent, makes him an ideal candidate for the role.
During his time in Leverkusen, Alonso made history—leading the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title (the first unbeaten run in the league’s history too), winning a DFB-Pokal, and guiding the team to a UEFA Europa League final. His final match in charge is expected to be on Saturday, May 17, against Mainz, with his last home game at BayArena taking place the following Sunday in what will likely be a celebratory farewell.
Xabi Alonso’s final message
At Friday’s press conference, Alonso personally confirmed his decision to step down, delivering a heartfelt message to the club, staff, and fans: “I owe great thanks to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, my players and staff, all the employees of the club and last but not least the fantastic fans. This club, who showed exceptional trust in me, very much deserved to win the German league title for the first time,” the coach stated.
“My thanks and admiration go to everybody who helped to make this triumph happen including the DFB Pokal win in Berlin. Bayer 04 are ready for the future. The positive path will continue and I will be excited to follow it,” Xabi Alonso added.
