Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a move for their former midfielder Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.
According to a report from Caught Offside, 41-year-old Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is the top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the helm at Real Madrid ahead of the 2024/25 season. The Italian manager will leave Los Blancos to becom the Brazilian national team’s head coach.
Alonso has done a remarkable job at Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen so far, and he helped them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League last season. Bayer Leverkusen managed to finish in the top six as well.
Alonso took over a team struggling for form and has transformed them. He could prove to be a quality appointment for Real Madrid in the long run. The 41-year-old is quite young and he is lacking in experience as a manager. But he has the pedigree to manage a top club.
The former Spanish international midfielder knows Real Madrid well from his playing days, and he should be able to fit in quickly. Also, the 41-year-old is well aware of the ethos of the club, and he should be able to relate to the fanbase as well.
Bayer Leverkusen will want to hold on to their mercurial manager for as long as possible. But the Bundesliga club are unlikely to be able to stop him from leaving if Real Madrid come calling. The 41-year-old will be tempted to join the Spanish club.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti will take over at the Brazilian national team next summer. The Italian tactician has done a phenomenal job at Real Madrid over multiple spells, and he has helped him win multiple Champions League titles during his time at the club.
The Italian tactician has guided them to a number of trophies, and Alonso will be expected to hit similar levels when he takes over. Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen have played free-flowing attacking football under his management, and he will be expected to introduce an exciting style of play at Real Madrid as well.
Alonso is expected to stay at the Bundesliga club for the upcoming season, and he will look to get them further up the table and perhaps secure a trophy before his departure. For now, he remains the top target to replace Ancelotti next summer.