Overview

• Xabi Alonso has internally decided to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, with Real Madrid widely reported as his likely destination.
• Leverkusen has moved quickly to identify a successor, with Erik ten Hag reportedly in advanced negotiations to take over the role.
• Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, known for his success at Ajax and brief tenure at Manchester United, is said to be Leverkusen’s top choice, with discussions described as near agreement.
• Cesc Fàbregas, currently coaching Como in Italy, was also considered, though talks with him were reportedly preliminary and exploratory.
• Alonso’s departure follows a highly successful tenure at Leverkusen, where he led the team to its first Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles, amplifying the stakes of this coaching transition.