Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Real Madrid Plans Summer Transition as Xabi Alonso Emerges as Carlo Ancelotti's Successor

Following a Champions League exit, Real Madrid is preparing for a managerial change, with Xabi Alonso identified as the top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is also being pursued by Brazil's national team.

Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Real Madrid v Arsenal - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - April 16, 2025 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/ File Photo
Soccer Football - Champions League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Real Madrid v Arsenal - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - April 16, 2025 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts REUTERS/Juan Medina/ File Photo
Image
Real’s humiliating Champions League exit may have forced the club to call time on Ancelotti even though he remains on course for a domestic Double this season

Overview

  • Real Madrid's leadership expects Carlo Ancelotti to leave this summer after their Champions League elimination by Arsenal, with a 5-1 aggregate defeat.
  • Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has been formally identified as the preferred successor to Ancelotti and could start as early as June's Club World Cup.
  • Alonso has a gentleman’s agreement with Leverkusen allowing him to leave for a significant fee despite being under contract until 2026.
  • Brazil's Football Confederation has intensified efforts to recruit Ancelotti to lead their national team for the 2026 World Cup, leveraging his ties with Brazilian stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
  • Ancelotti, the most successful Champions League coach this century, has hinted at the possibility of a departure but has not officially confirmed his next steps.