Xabi Alonso leaves Bayer Leverkusen after the end of the season

Coach Xabi Alonso is leaving Bayer Leverkusen after the season and will take over the Spanish top club Real Madrid.

According to consistent media reports, the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen's successful coach Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid is complete. The 43-year-old Spaniard will succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Royal Club and has signed a contract until 2028.

According to kicker information, Alonso informed the Bayer players about his decision before Friday's training.

Change has been hinted at for months

Speculation about Alonso's departure to his former club has been rife for months. According to media reports, a transfer fee is due for the coach, and his contract with Leverkusen actually runs until 2026. Confirmation from Bayer or Real Madrid is still pending.

According to reports, Alonso will bring two assistant coaches from Leverkusen with him to the Spanish capital, including Argentinian Sebastián Parrilla. Alonso's start in Madrid is not expected until after the Club World Cup (until July 13).

Alonso made Leverkusen a double winner

Alonso took over the Rhinelanders in October 2022 when they were 17th in the league table and transformed them into a top European club in two and a half years. The Basque led Bayer to the first league title in the club's history and a DFB-Pokal victory last year. This season, the ambitious Leverkusen side remained without a title, but qualified for the Champions League again as second in the Bundesliga . Alonso has played a total of 137 matches so far, averaging more than two points. During his tenure, Bayer has lost just 18 matches.

Alonso had avoided declaring his loyalty to Bayer despite his contract running until 2026 and had repeatedly evaded questions about a possible departure.

Florian Wirtz flirts with leaving Leverkusen

Club boss Fernando Carro and sporting director Simon Rolfes have been demanding a swift decision on Alonso's future in recent weeks to ensure "clarity" for the upcoming season. His likely final home game against Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for Sunday (3:30 p.m.). Ancelotti has been linked with a stint as Brazil's national coach.

Our sources:

Sports Information Service
German Press Agency
Trade magazine Kicker