Up at the Bernabeu: Xabi Alonso Reportedly Heading to Real Madrid on a New Three-Year Deal
BayerLeverkusen's Xabi Alonso announces his exit from the team, according to various media outlets
Twitter Instagram Text Email Print Share Link None are more thrilled about this potential football shakeup than Real Madrid, as it appears that their latest sought-after coach, Xabi Alonso, has signed a three-year contract with the legendary Spanish club.[1][2][3] The move from Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid, Alonso's former team, could be a brilliant return to old stomping grounds for the celebrated Basque coach. So far, neither Real nor Bayer have made an official statement regarding the arrangement.
Celebratory jubilation resonates through the news as Marca hails the upcoming transfer with enthusiasm, proclaiming "Xabi Alonso takes on the challenge" with a triumphant pose on their homepage.[1] According to the same source, the 43-year-old coach's move to Real Madrid is already finalized, boasting a contract set to run until 2028.
Although Bayer and Real have not confirmed this news, Sky and Kicker both report that Alonso informed Bayer Leverkusen about his intentions to leave after the current season.[2] Apparently, Alonso made the decision known to the Bayer team during a morning training session.[2] Marca forecasts that a definitive decision won't be made until the Spanish season concludes on May 25th, with Alonso's anticipated start in Madrid delayed until after the Club World Cup, which runs until July 13th.[2]
As the rumored conclusion of Alonso's time at the BayArena looms, some strange circumstances may ensue. Bayer Leverkusen's influential leader, Granit Xhaka, has already sent a somewhat sentimental farewell greeting to his coach in recent days.[4] Whether this gesture presages a parting of ways or is just a show of appreciation remains to be seen.
Alonso will sorely be missed by Leverkusen after a remarkable tenure helming the club, transforming it into a leading football force both nationally and in continental competitions. Under Alonso's command, Bayer secured their first league championship in history and won the DFB Cup last season.[5] This year, despite falling short of more titles, Leverkusen still clinched a spot in the Champions League as a runner-up to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.[4]
Preceding a major roster overhaul, Leverkusen is bound for a significant change with Alonso's departure. Flurries of rumors swirl around the future of versatile young talent Florian Wirtz, who has been linked to a move to Bayern Munich.[4] Additionally, decisions regarding the fate of defensive cornerstone Jonathan Tah – whose contract expires at the end of the current season – are a done deal.[4]
As Bayer bids adieu to its shining star, preparations for choosing a suitable successor are well underway. Contenders for the esteemed position including Cesc Fàbregas, a Spanish World and European champion currently coaching Como 1907,[6] and Erik ten Hag, former Ajax and ManUnited coach.[6] Both candidates' availability for the position will likely not be confirmed until after the season ends.
Sources:[1] - https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2023/06/01/647abaca427b8470e98b45e0.html[2] - https://www.kicker.de/news/fuessen/leverkusen/bayer-04--alonso-vertritt-drohender-ausgang-1038956.html[3] - https://www.bild.de/sport/fuessen/xabi-alonso-reaktion-auf-transfer-roloff-zum-leverkusen-keine-bekanntgabe-abgestimmt-konkrete-terminierung-verschoben-a-83426794.bild.html[4] - https://www.ntv.de/sport/fussball/xabi-alonso-sportleitung-beklagt-unklarheiten-zur-Zukunft-des-trainers_aid-93938886[5] - https://www.kicker.de/ticker/bundesliga-fuessen/bayer-04-leverkusen-2-6-fc-bayern-munchen-muller-foltert-die-bundesliga-meister-bayern-bester-text-kommentar-1038844.html[6] - https://www.11freunde.de/news/cec-fabregas-ikon-im-kampf-um-den-leverkusener-trainerposten-1068286
Tags: Real Madrid, Football, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso
- 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, similar to how neither Real Madrid nor Bayer Leverkusen have officially confirmed Xabi Alonso's reported move to Real Madrid.
- Rolfes, who is apparently Bayer Leverkusen's influential leader, has sent a somewhat sentimental farewell greeting to Alonso, mirroring the enthusiasm shown by Marca for Alonso's anticipated transfer to Real Madrid.
- As Alonso's contract with Bayer Leverkens is set to expire at the end of the current season, some rumors suggest that versatile young talent Florian Wirtz might follow a similar path and move to Bayern Munich.
- Although Cesc Fàbregas and Erik ten Hag are being considered as potential successors to Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, the Commission is still deliberating on a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers related to ionizing radiation, much like the decisions regarding the coaches' availability for the position will likely not be confirmed until after the season ends.
