Xabi Alonso to leave Bayer Leverkusen at season’s end, set for Real Madrid job
Xabi Alonso will officially depart Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024–25 season, the Bundesliga champions have confirmed. The Spanish tactician is widely expected to take over as Real Madrid's next head coach, replacing Carlo Ancelotti in what could be one of the most high-profile managerial transitions in European football.
End of an Era: Alonso leaves after historic Leverkusen run
Alonso, who took charge in October 2022, transformed Leverkusen into an elite European force, ending Bayern Munich’s decade-long Bundesliga dominance and guiding the club to an unbeaten title-winning campaign in 2023–24—an unprecedented achievement in German football history.
While his contract originally ran until 2026, both parties agreed to an early termination to facilitate the next chapter in his managerial journey.
"Together with Xabi Alonso, we have written a success story—winning the league unbeaten, something unseen in German football," said Werner Wenning, chair of Leverkusen's shareholders committee.
"He was an outstanding ambassador for the club and the Bundesliga. We are deeply grateful."
Return to Madrid: Alonso poised to replace Ancelotti
Reports from Spain suggest Alonso will sign a three-year deal with Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to lead Brazil's national team into the next World Cup cycle.
Alonso is no stranger to the Santiago Bernabéu, having played five seasons with Los Blancos, registering 236 appearances and winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League under Ancelotti’s first reign.
"My thanks and admiration go to everyone who made this journey possible," Alonso said.
"This club deserved the title. The future is bright for Leverkusen, and I’ll be following closely."
Real Madrid Future Under Alonso: Big Names Incoming
When Alonso takes the reins in Madrid, he will oversee a squad set for major reinforcement. One of the headline signings will be Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer from Liverpool this summer.
First Task: Club World Cup Duty
Alonso's first competitive challenge could be the FIFA Club World Cup, starting June 15 in the U.S., with Al Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg already drawn in Real Madrid’s group stage path.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Next Chapter
Despite Alonso’s impending departure, Bayer Leverkusen remain focused on finishing strong. The club is poised to end the season second in the Bundesliga, behind Bayern Munich, and continues to benefit from the elite culture instilled by Alonso.
They also claimed the DFB Pokal, making it a memorable double-winning 2023–24 season that redefined expectations at the club.
Related Reads
- Xabi Alonso confirms striker Victor Boniface set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen
- Xabi Alonso happy with Bayer Leverkusen's point away at Bayern Munich
- Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Liverpool exit, set to join Real Madrid on free transfer
With his departure now confirmed, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen legacy is sealed: tactical innovation, unbeaten champions, and a team reborn. Now, all eyes turn to Madrid, where a new era begins under a familiar face.
For the latest transfer news and exclusive updates, stay locked on Sportsligue.com.
SportsLigue