Credit: @bayer04_en / X

Xabi Alonso Set To Replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso is expected to announce in the coming weeks that he will be leaving the Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Credit: @bayer04_en / X

Following Real Madrid’s El Clasico defeat in the Copa del Rey final, the club is reportedly planning for Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. With only the La Liga title left to compete for, Los Blancos are preparing for a managerial change at the end of the current season. Ancelotti is expected to leave his role after the league concludes and he will not lead the team at the upcoming Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) is eager to appoint Ancelotti as the new head coach of the Brazilian national team. Should an agreement be reached, it could pave the way for the Italian to leave Madrid earlier than initially planned.

Xabi Alonso in Pole Position To Replace Ancelotti

According to reports, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is currently in pole position to succeed Ancelotti. It is believed Alonso could join after the Club World Cup. Alonso, who has enjoyed tremendous success at Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to announce in the coming weeks that he will be leaving the Bundesliga champions. Bayer Leverkusen have already started preparations for life without him, with the club contacting major management agencies to line up potential replacements.

🚨 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso will announce in the coming weeks that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen. 👋

He’s expected to become Real Madrid’s new coach. 🆕

(Source: @sachatavolieri ) pic.twitter.com/48kavw2j0j
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 28, 2025

Also Read: Barcelona Clinch 32nd Copa del Rey in Dramatic El Clasico Finale

Real Madrid had reportedly shortlisted Jurgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso in their search for a new manager. Los Blancos had even contacted Klopp twice in recent days to negotiate preliminary terms. However, Alonso has overtaken Klopp in the race and is now the firm favorite to land the job at Santiago Bernabeu.

While Real Madrid still hold a slim hope of clinching the La Liga title with five matches remaining, much of the attention has now shifted toward the club’s future. Barcelona currently lead the La Liga table with 76 points from 33 matches, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Los Blancos face a crucial clash against Barcelona on May 11th, a match that could very well decide the La Liga title race. Another Barcelona victory next month could all but end Real’s hopes of securing the La Liga.

Bayer Leverkusen

La Liga

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.