- Xabi Alonso is a former midfielder who played at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, winning trophies at all of those clubs.
- Alonso has moved into coaching after retiring and guided Bayer Leverkusen to an undefeated Bundesliga season in 2023-24.
- Alonso will leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, and the odds suggest he’ll replace Brazil-bound Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Last season, Bayer Leverkusen were arguably the biggest story in European soccer. They went undefeated in the Bundesliga, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year run of dominance. It was an incredible turnaround for a team that was sitting 16th in the previous season, before appointing Xabi Alonso as the head coach.
Leverkusen finished second to Bayern this year, but they’ll have to find a new manager now. Xabi Alonso announced that he’ll leave the club after the final two games. The odds are pointing to Alonso managing one of his old playing clubs, Real Madrid.
Alonso to Leave Leverkusen; Could Fàbregas Replace Him?
The news about Alonso leaving Leverkusen was reported on Friday morning.
Alonso took over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, taking them from the relegation zone, and eventually finished in sixth place. The next season was a historic one for Alonso and Leverkusen as they went undefeated and won the first Bundesliga title in the club’s history.
They also set a European record of 51 unbeaten games, which ended when Leverkusen lost 3-0 to Atalanta in last season’s Europa League final. Leverkusen also won the DFB-Pokal to give them a domestic double.
The former midfielder stayed at Leverkusen for another season, but they came up short in the Bundesliga, as they’ll finish second to Bayern Munich with two games to go. Leverkusen hosts Borussia Dortmund this weekend and will end the season on the road at Mainz on May 17.
It is rumored that Cesc Fàbregas, one of Alonso’s former teammates on the Spanish national team, could replace Alonso. Fàbregas is currently the manager at Como in Italy.
Alonso also had a glittering career as a player at Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He was a part of Liverpool’s stirring comeback in the 2005 Champions League final, scoring the tying goal to make the score 3-3 as Liverpool was down 3-0 at halftime. They would win on penalties. Alonso also won the FA Cup at Liverpool.
He moved on to Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League. The Spaniard then won three Bundesliga titles at Bayern, but couldn’t win the Champions League there. Alonso was also a key part of Spain’s brilliant run from 2008 to 2012, when they won two European Championships and the World Cup in 2010.
Will Xabi Alonso End Up at Real Madrid?
The odds at soccer betting sites are pointing Alonso towards Real Madrid, as it appears manager Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club to take over the Brazilian national team.
There have been rumors that Alonso would take over at Madrid for at least a year now, and it makes sense for all parties. Madrid reportedly tried to land Alonso ahead of this past season. But the Spanish legend wanted to try to defend the Bundesliga title at Leverkusen.
If (or when) Alonso heads to Madrid, he could look to take a couple of his Leverkusen players with him. Midfielder Florian Wirtz is one of the stars of the Bundesliga, and wouldn’t look out of place in a team with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Wingbacks Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo could also follow Alonso to Madrid. There will be many teams looking to buy Leverkusen’s players!
Expect an official announcement shortly after Leverkusen finishes their season. It’s extremely likely that Alonso will lead “Los Blancos” next season!
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