Xabi Alonso is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of Real Madrid, following his recent announcement that he would step down as Bayer Leverkusen’s coach. The ex-Liverpool midfielder would be thrilled by the opportunity to take charge of Los Blancos. His contract with the English Premier League club runs out on June 30th. Real Madrid would want to get this deal done as quickly as possible, especially with the Club World Cup on the horizon.
The Reds are reportedly demanding a compensation fee of around €1m ($1.1m) to free Alonso from his contract. This financial consideration is a crucial factor in Real Madrid’s negotiations, as they prepare for a significant transition following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to become Brazil’s national team coach. Alonso had made a surprise announcement to leave Leverkusen last Friday. He insisted, with full conviction, that it was “the right time” to leave, indicating he was prepared for a new test.
Real Madrid are keen to get Alonso’s appointment locked down prior to a busy looking Club World Cup in early December. This tournament will take place right before opening day of what would be the LaLiga 2025-26 season. Given the team’s abysmal recent performance, those fears have been amplified. Their narrow 4-3 loss to their rivals Barcelona in El Clásico has now sent them to the brink of not winning the LaLiga title at all. This vulnerability only amplified the public outcry for a coaching change and a need for team reinforcements.
Alonso is seen as a top prospect for the job. As sports commentator Gab Marcotti implores him, before he decides to replace Ancelotti, he needs to ask himself the hard questions about Real Madrid. The club had previously lined up Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen for the coaching position. Yet both candidates bring very high price tags, making the decision more difficult.
Real Madrid have pulled off one of the greatest coups ever. The squad’s handsomely compensated coaching staff is desperately trying to patch up its defense—the team’s most leaking and susceptible frontline this campaign. First, the club’s management understands that it is really urgent to strengthen both central defense and left-back. They’re probably going to have to address these shortcomings in the January transfer window at the latest.
In an interview on Sunday, Alonso dropped clues about where he might be headed next. He committed to announcing his decision “in short order.” Contract negotiations with Liverpool are proceeding well. Supporters and pundits alike are waiting with bated breath to see if anything comes of Alonso’s rumored interest in taking the Real Madrid job.
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