'This is the right moment': Xabi Alonso confirms Bayer Leverkusen exit amid Real Madrid links

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 9, 2025, 18:05 IST

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Xabi Alonso has announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, fueling speculation about a potential return to Real Madrid as manager. Alonso informed his players of the decision, despite having a contract until 2026. Real Madrid is widely tipped as his next destination, with Carlo Ancelotti's future uncertain.

'This is the right moment': Xabi Alonso confirms Bayer Leverkusen exit amid Real Madrid links

Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season, fuelling speculation of an imminent return to Real Madrid — this time, as manager."This is the right moment to announce it," Alonso told reporters on Friday. "Clarity is good for everyone."Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.

Operation Sindoor

According to Kicker magazine, the 43-year-old informed his players of his decision before Friday's training session. Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, Alonso has opted to step down after a transformative tenure at Leverkusen.

Appointed in October 2022 when the club was languishing near the Bundesliga’s relegation zone, Alonso led a stunning turnaround. Under his leadership, Leverkusen secured both domestic league and cup honours in the previous campaign, re-establishing themselves as a European force.Who's that IPL player?Although Alonso declined to discuss his next move, Real Madrid is widely tipped as his next destination. "Now is not the day to talk about the future," he said when asked about a potential switch to the Spanish giants.

Poll

Should Real Madrid consider Xabi Alonso as their next manager?

I'm not sure, depends on Ancelotti's futureNo, they should look elsewhereAbsolutely, he's a great choice

Alonso, a Champions League winner with Madrid as a player, is rumoured to be the frontrunner to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, whose tenure at Madrid faces mounting uncertainty. While Ancelotti’s contract runs until the end of next season, Madrid’s inconsistent performances, despite signing Kylian Mbappé, have put pressure on the club’s leadership to plan for the future.Ancelotti is also the subject of continued interest from the Brazilian national team. With Madrid four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and a crucial El Clásico looming, speculation over his successor has intensified.

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TOI Sports Desk

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