Overview

• Xabi Alonso announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, with his last two games scheduled against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.
• Alonso led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double during the 2023–24 season, achieving an unbeaten league campaign.
• The coach and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract early, which was originally set to run until 2026.
• Reports suggest Alonso is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid's head coach, with a compensation fee of €12–15 million likely to be paid to Leverkusen.
• Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen began in October 2022, when the team was in the relegation zone, and he leaves after securing their second-place Bundesliga finish this season.