By Samuel Akpan with additional agency report
Xabi Alonso will take over as the manager of Real Madrid at the end of the season, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
Alonso, who currently manages Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Spanish giants.
Ancelotti, 65, has faced pressure this season despite his impressive track record, and the team’s recent performances appear to have sealed his departure.
Alonso’s appointment is seen as a significant move for Real Madrid, with the 43-year-old having already proven his managerial credentials with Leverkusen.
He led the team to the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles last season and has a highly impressive win rate of 64%.
Alonso is expected to bring his own coaching staff, including assistant coach Sebas Parrilla and fitness trainer Alberto Encinas.
Ancelotti’s future is currently unclear, but he is reportedly considering a lucrative offer to manage in Saudi Arabia, where he would earn €50 million across the span of his contract.
Real Madrid will still have to pay Ancelotti compensation for next year, as his contract expires in 2026.
Ancelotti had previously turned down an offer to manage Brazil, and his next career move is eagerly anticipated by football fans worldwide.
As Alonso takes the reins at Real Madrid, he will face significant challenges, including strengthening the team’s defense and midfield.
The club is expected to make targeted signings to improve the squad, but Alonso’s input will hold significant weight in the transfer decision-making process.
His first game as Real manager will be at the Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June.
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