An era is coming to an end, another is beginning. Soon officially. After this weekend’s El Clasico, Real Madrid is expected to formalize its parting with Carlo Ancelotti, and the first concrete step should be taken by his successor, Xabi Alonso.There is no longer any doubt that he will take over the helm of the Madrid club; it’s only a matter of the current season coming to an end. Alonso has brought historic success to Leverkusen and in the meantime has felt ready for a more challenging job.After almost two-and-a-half years, and during the most successful period in the club’s history, our head coach, @XabiAlonso, will leave #Bayer04 at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/SinXlkWJIJ— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 9, 2025 Very soon, after he completes the final two matches, he will leave Leverkusen. German Sky reported earlier today that the Spaniard has made the decision to leave the reigning German champions at the end of the season and has already informed the club’s management. Alonso himself confirmed the same information to the football public at today’s press conference ahead of the match against Dortmund.“This week, the club and I agreed that these will be my last two matches in Leverkusen. This is the right moment to announce it because we’ve always had good communication. We need to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions. I spoke with the players and staff, it wasn’t easy. We had a great connection and that was the key. They believed in me and followed me. I want to say goodbye in the right way this weekend,” said Alonso.BREAKING: Xabi Alonso confirms he’s set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season 🚨 pic.twitter.com/EC53738gYE— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 9, 2025 Alonso was also the subject of a report this Friday by Spanish outlet Marca, which states that he will sign a three-year contract with Real Madrid. The Madrid-based paper also touched on the club’s transfer policy, which the 43-year-old coach had to come to terms with.During negotiations, Marca reports, Alonso was made aware that all deals are made under the club’s control. The double-title winner with Leverkusen was told he would have a say in bringing in players and could make suggestions, but that the final word would rest with the club. It was emphasized that the club is the one that signs players, meaning everything would unfold according to an already established strategy that has produced results.Both Madrid and City offered millions, but Wirtz takes third pathDuring these discussions, Alonso realized that the rumored squad overhaul was unnecessary. First, because it is not feasible, and second, because the club believes the current team has the required quality that simply hasn’t fully surfaced this season. Marca reminds readers that Real has already secured the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, is working on strengthening the other full-back position, and will next look for a central defender (Dean Huijsen is the top target) and a midfielder, which would fulfill the coach’s wishes.##NAJAVA_MECA_8916697##
