Real Madrid are working swiftly to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with plans for him to take charge as early as June 1. Sources close to the Spanish giants reveal that Alonso, 43, is expected to be in Madrid by the start of next month to prepare the team for their first match of the tournament against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
The move follows Alonso’s announcement on Friday that he would leave his current position at Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season. Alonso had been with the German club since 2019, and during his time there, he led them to the Bundesliga title last season, although they are set to finish second this campaign behind Bayern Munich. His decision to leave was a result of Real Madrid’s approach, which began months ago when it became clear that Carlo Ancelotti would be stepping down from his position at the end of the season to take over as coach of the Brazilian national team.
Real Madrid’s decision to bypass an interim manager and appoint Alonso directly reflects the club’s desire for continuity and stability. Alonso, a former player at both Real Madrid and Liverpool, was always considered the frontrunner to succeed Ancelotti. Although initially, Alonso had no intention of joining his former club until after the summer, recent discussions have moved up his timeline. The Spanish club views the Club World Cup as a crucial competition, and they want Alonso in place to start preparations as soon as possible.
Ancelotti’s departure is imminent, and the Italian will take charge of Brazil’s national team after the end of this season. His final game in charge of Real Madrid will be their last home fixture of the campaign against Real Sociedad on May 25, marking the end of his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti’s tenure at Madrid was highlighted by significant successes, including winning the UEFA Champions League three times. However, this season, Real Madrid failed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and were dealt a decisive blow in their La Liga title defense with a 4-3 loss to Barcelona, leaving them seven points adrift with only three matches remaining.
Alonso’s arrival is seen as a fresh start for the club after Ancelotti’s departure, and Real Madrid is already preparing for a new chapter with the former midfield maestro at the helm. Alonso played for Los Blancos from 2009 to 2014, enjoying a successful spell that included winning the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. His managerial career has been equally impressive, with Alonso leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title and the German Cup in his first full season in charge.
Alonso’s close ties to Real Madrid, having spent five years at the club, as well as his experience at Liverpool and Bayern Munich, give him a unique blend of knowledge and expertise that Real Madrid believe will benefit them in the coming seasons. Although Alonso has expressed interest in eventually managing Liverpool, the opportunity to take charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world has proven irresistible.
In addition to Alonso’s appointment, Real Madrid are also looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The club is reportedly keen on completing the signing of Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold before the start of the Club World Cup. The acquisition of Alexander-Arnold would add to their already star-studded squad, which includes several high-profile players, including Eden Hazard, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alonso marks a new chapter for the club, with the Spaniard now tasked with guiding the team back to the top of European football. While Alonso’s managerial career is still in its early stages, his success in Germany and his deep understanding of the club’s culture make him a fitting candidate to take on the challenge. As Real Madrid prepares for the Club World Cup, all eyes will be on Alonso to see if he can replicate his success as a manager, much like he did during his playing career at the Bernabeu.
The Club World Cup presents an opportunity for Alonso to stamp his authority on the team right away, and Real Madrid’s hopes for a successful campaign will rest on his ability to integrate the squad quickly and effectively. If Alonso can lead them to glory in the tournament and improve their league form next season, he could very well become the next great manager in Real Madrid’s storied history.
