Overview
- Xabi Alonso will depart Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, signing a reported three-year contract.
- Leverkusen officially announced Alonso's departure, ending his tenure that included a historic Bundesliga title in 2024.
- Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid mutually agreed to part ways following the team's Champions League elimination by Arsenal.
- Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Como in Serie A, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Alonso, with Leverkusen emissaries reportedly meeting him in Italy.
- Other potential candidates for the Leverkusen role include Erik ten Hag, Álvaro Arbeloa, and Xavi Hernandez, though Fabregas is said to be the preferred choice.