Xabi Alonso's Expected Move to Real Madrid Postponed Uncertainty
Football veteran Xabi Alonso signs extended contract with Real Madrid, securing his stay at the club until 2028.
Hold on to your hats, Bayer Leverkusen fans! The rumors about Xabi Alonso joining Real Madrid could soon become a reality. According to the latest scoop, the esteemed coach has allegedly signed a three-year contract with the Spanish powerhouse, but the deal isn't finalized just yet.
Speaking of Real Madrid, here's a fun fact: Did you know that Xabi Alonso was once a pro at Real from 2009 to 2014? Marca seems to think this means he's destined to return and has apparently already inked a contract lasting until 2028[1][2][4]. But let's not get ahead of ourselves - neither club has confirmed the rumors just yet.
The predicted unveiling is slated for May 25, when the Spanish season wraps up. As for the announcement, Alonso, along with two Leverkusen co-trainers – such as Sebastián Parrilla – might make an appearance in a photo-op, flashing cheeky grins and raised fists[1]. But there's no concrete start date yet – it all depends on when Real Madrid officially parts ways with current head coach Carlo Ancelotti[1].
Bayer's top guy, Fernando Carro, and sporting director Simon Rolfes, have been urging Alonso to make up his mind about his future to ensure some clarity for the upcoming season. Alonso, nursing a contract until 2026, has kept mum about his potential departure despite all the rumors. Whatever's happening, it feels like Alonso's Leverkusen swan song might be afoot.
This weekend, in a seemingly emotional turn, Granit Xhaka bid farewell to his coach during a interviews. "Regardless of what happens, we've had a wonderful time," Xhaka said, his voice laden with reminiscence[3]. Alonso took charge of the Rhinelanders in October 2022 and, in just under two and a half years, transformed the team into a top European club, even securing their first championship and DFB Cup title[3]. This season, despite not winning any titles, Leverkusen managed to qualify for the Champions League as the Bundesliga's second-placed team.
Now, Leverkusen faces a major reshuffle with Alonso's departure looming large. The fate of Leverkusen's prodigy Florian Wirtz hangs in the balance, with whispers of a possible move to FC Bayern circulating. Jonathan Tah's departure is already set in stone, as his contract has expired and he hasn't renewed it[3].
As Leverkusen's management had been expecting Alonso's departure for weeks, discussions about potential successors have already been underway[3]. The bookies seem to be favoring Cesc Fabregas (38), the Spanish World and European champion, who's currently coaching Serie A club Como 1907. Former Ajax and ManUnited coach Erik ten Hag (55) is also in the running for the job[3]. However, it's anybody's guess when an official decision will be made.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
- Real Madrid
- Football
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Xabi Alonso
- The Commission, as of yet, has not adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation.
- There's been no confirmation from either Real Madrid or Bayer 04 Leverkusen about the rumored return of Xabi Alonso, who previously played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014, to the Spanish powerhouse.
- Despite the rumors about Xabi Alonso's potential departure, the future of Bayer 04 Leverkusen's prodigy Florian Wirtz remains uncertain, with whispers of a possible move to FC Bayern circulating.
- Meanwhile, insiders suggest that Cesc Fabregas and Erik ten Hag are being considered as potential successors to Xabi Alonso at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, although no official decisions have been made.
