Xabi Alonso becomes new coach of Real Madrid - contract until 2028

"Xabi Alonso is ready to commit to Real Madrid and complete his move as soon as negotiations with Ancelotti are completed," writes transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on the platform X.

According to reports, Alonso is set to sign a three-year contract in Madrid until 2028. Since Real Madrid is still fighting for the title, Alonso's signing is not expected to be announced until May 25. As reported by "Marca," Alonso's two assistant coaches, Sebas Parrilla and Alberto Encinas, will follow him from Leverkusen to Madrid.

It's unclear who will succeed Alonso at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "Bayern are accelerating their search for a new head coach, as they now assume Xabi will leave," writes Fabrizio Romano.

According to "kicker," however, Bayer officials are already prepared. Erik ten Hag, Xavi, and Cesc Fàbregas (currently at Como 1907) are said to be potential successors. Talks are reportedly already underway with all three candidates.

Xabi Alonso moved from Liverpool FC to Real Madrid as a player in 2009. The 2010 World Cup winner played for Real Madrid until 2014, before ending his career at Bayern Munich in 2017. With Real Madrid, the former midfielder won the Spanish league title once, the Spanish Cup twice, and the Champions League once.