(foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Xabi Alonso will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season after two and a half remarkable years, clearing the path for his expected appointment as Real Madrid’s next coach.
Bayer Leverkusen have officially confirmed that Xabi Alonso will step down as head coach at the end of the season, sparking celebration among Real Madrid fans eagerly awaiting his return to the Bernabéu.
The 43-year-old Spaniard, widely hailed for his tactical intelligence and calm leadership, transformed Leverkusen into Bundesliga champions and European contenders during his two-and-a-half-year spell in charge.
Alonso had been linked with several top clubs in recent months, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but turned them all down. His decision to leave now paves the way for what appears to be his dream job—managing Real Madrid, where he spent five successful years as a player.
"I am grateful to the club, the players and colleagues, and last but not least to the fans. Our successes are the result of working together,” Alonso said in a farewell statement released by Leverkusen.
The club’s tribute was equally heartfelt, calling Alonso “more than a coach – a professor”, and thanking him for restoring pride and belief at the BayArena. The move is being seen as the conclusion of a successful apprenticeship before stepping onto the world’s biggest stage as head coach of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are expected to first confirm the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, then announce Alonso’s arrival on a reported three-year deal. His return to Madrid is already generating huge excitement among supporters, who see him as a natural successor to lead the next era of the club’s historic legacy.