Overview

• Xabi Alonso has officially announced that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, with his final two matches scheduled this month.
• Alonso is reported to have agreed to a three-year contract with Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to take over Brazil's national team.
• Bayer Leverkusen has activated its search for a new coach, with Cesc Fàbregas emerging as the frontrunner among candidates like Erik ten Hag and Xavi Hernández.
• Fàbregas, currently managing Como in Serie A, has reportedly impressed Bayer officials in preliminary discussions about the role.
• Alonso’s departure follows a historic tenure at Bayer, where he led the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title and multiple domestic trophies.