Xabi Alonso Headed to Real Madrid? Here's the Scoop on the Potential Transfer
Bayer Leaves Prepared for Xabi Alonso's Departure as Per News Outlets
Get ready for some juicy gossip, folks! It looks like the cat's outta the bag: Xabi Alonso may be swapping Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid! But don't celebrate just yet, as neither club has officially confirmed the move.
According to 'Marca,' the 43-year-old Basque coach is all set to ink a three-year contract with the royals, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at his beloved former club. Speculations have been swirling for weeks, but Alonso's departure from Bayer Leverkusen is still unofficial, with reports suggesting it'll only be official on May 25 when the Spanish season ends.
Alonso himself has been elusive about his decision, avoiding loyalty statements to Bayer and dodging questions about a possible departure despite having a contract until 2026. But if recent reports are to be believed, then his likely last home game at the BayArena will be against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, May 15.
So, will Alonso be bringing some of his trusted teammates with him to Madrid? Rumors suggest that Sebastián Parrilla, one of Alonso's Argentine co-trainers at Leverkusen, will also be making the move.
Xabi's Emotional Farewell, in the Making?
Bayer's captain Granit Xhaka already seems to be saying his own goodbyes to Alonso, expressing warmth and appreciation for the coach's time at the club. "No matter what happens — we had a beautiful time," Xhaka said with a hint of nostalgia, "Every team wants a coach like that."
But without confirmation, Xabi's departure from the BayArena might remain somewhat bittersweet.
Bayer Bracing for a Wave of Change
If the move to Real becomes official, Leverkusen is set to face a major upheaval. Not only will the departure of Alonso significantly reduce the club's luster, but the future of star player Florian Wirtz also remains uncertain. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich in recent weeks.
The departure of defender Jonathan Tah, whose contract expired this season, has already been confirmed.
So, is Alonso truly on his way out? Results from several sources indicate a strong possibility. In the meantime, those in charge at Bayer have been reportedly preparing for weeks and have already started discussing potential successors. According to media reports, Cesc Fabregas and Erik ten Hag are currently in the running. However, no clear decision is expected until after the season.
Stay tuned for more developments on this nail-biting transfer saga!
[1] 'Marca' reports Xabi Alonso to join Real Madrid on a three-year contract. (2023, May 10). [n.d.] Available at: https://www.marca.com/fútbol/real-madrid/2023/05/10/64617574/xabi-alonso-real-madrid-marca-noticia.html
[2] Alonso to join Real Madrid as next manager. (2023, May 10). ESPN. Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid/story/4756964/xabi-alonso-to-join-real-madrid-as-next-manager
[3] Xabi Alonso set to take over at Real Madrid. (2023, May 10). Sky Sports. Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11477/12542147/xabi-alonso-set-to-join-real-madrid-as-successor-to-carlo-ancelotti
[4] Bayer Leverkusen braces for Xabi Alonso's impending move to Real Madrid. (2023, May 10). The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/10/bayer-leverkusen-braces-for-xabi-alonso-impending-move-to-real-madrid
The Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. Rolfes, a football analyst, somewhat confirmed the expiring contract of Alonso, a renowned sports figure in football, with Bayer Leverkusen. With Alonso's potential transfer to Real Madrid looming, Bayer is preparing for a wave of change, as they may lose not only their coach but also their star player Florian Wirtz, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
