Xabi Alonso refuses to rule out Real Madrid move amid speculation

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso keeps door open for possible Real Madrid return as pressure mounts on Carlo Ancelotti.

Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich on March 11, 2025, in Leverkusen, Germany. Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Xabi Alonso refuses to rule out Real Madrid move as growing speculation links the Bayer Leverkusen coach with a return to the Spanish capital this summer. After Real Madrid’s crushing Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal, questions have intensified around the future of Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso, seen by many as the natural successor, has refused to shut the door on the possibility of taking over at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of Leverkusen’s upcoming Bundesliga match against St Pauli, Alonso insisted that now is not the time to talk about his future, even as the rumours gather pace. “It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season,” he said, clearly aiming to shift the focus back to his team’s remaining fixtures.

Real Madrid eyeing Alonso as potential successor to Ancelotti

With Ancelotti's position under increasing scrutiny following Madrid’s disappointing European exit, club officials are believed to be weighing up options for a managerial change in the summer. Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder who spent five successful seasons with Los Blancos, has emerged as the leading candidate.

During his time at Madrid as a player, Alonso lifted the Champions League, La Liga, and multiple other domestic trophies. His intelligence on the pitch and tactical awareness off it have translated smoothly into his coaching career, which began at Real Sociedad B before he took the reins at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.

Alonso has since built a strong reputation in the Bundesliga. In just his first full season as a top-flight manager, he guided Leverkusen to a historic league and cup double without losing a single match in domestic competition. The remarkable campaign not only restored Leverkusen’s credibility but also positioned Alonso as one of the brightest managerial prospects in European football.

Leverkusen CEO insists Alonso is staying

Despite the growing speculation, Leverkusen club CEO Fernando Carro expressed confidence last week that Alonso would remain at the helm next season. Speaking to German media, Carro said, “He feels comfortable here. We’re also planning next season with him: preseason, matches, squad.”

Carro’s comments mirror the club’s internal belief that Alonso is committed to seeing through his project in Leverkusen. However, with Real Madrid potentially offering a return to the club where Alonso enjoyed some of his best years as a player, the situation remains fluid.

In recent years, Alonso has been linked with other top clubs from his past, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Last March, with Leverkusen chasing a maiden Bundesliga title, Alonso held a press conference to dismiss similar speculation. This year, however, he has taken a more reserved approach, choosing not to publicly commit to staying or leaving.

“I don’t want to talk about speculation and rumours,” Alonso said on Friday. “I understand that this is happening, but what’s more important to me is what’s happening right now.”

Leverkusen's season losing momentum

Leverkusen’s current season, while historically impressive, appears to be running out of steam at the most critical juncture. The club, which had been pushing for a second consecutive Bundesliga title under Alonso, now sits six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich with only five matches remaining.

In Europe, Leverkusen suffered an early exit in the round of 16 of the Champions League—ironically at the hands of Bayern—and their domestic cup hopes were dashed in the semi-finals of the German Cup by third-division side Arminia Bielefeld, in what was one of the shocks of the season.

Despite these setbacks, Alonso’s tactical nous and ability to rebuild a previously underperforming side into title contenders have not gone unnoticed. The prospect of managing Real Madrid, particularly at a time when the club may be seeking a fresh start, could prove too tempting to turn down.

A calculated silence

Alonso’s refusal to confirm or deny his future plans leaves the door open for Real Madrid while also protecting Leverkusen’s dressing room environment. His measured response is likely a strategy to maintain focus within the squad, avoid distractions during the crucial final stretch of the season, and perhaps even keep his options open.

At 43, Alonso still has a long managerial career ahead of him, and many in the football world believe it’s a matter of when—not if—he will take charge of one of Europe’s elite clubs. Whether that moment arrives this summer or further down the line may depend as much on Madrid’s decision-making as on Alonso’s ambitions.

Madrid’s post-Ancelotti era looming?

If Real Madrid’s hierarchy does decide to part ways with Ancelotti, Alonso represents both a nostalgic and strategic appointment. Known for his calm demeanor, meticulous preparation, and progressive style of play, Alonso could bring a new energy to a Madrid side that has looked tactically stale in recent months.

Furthermore, his close ties with the club’s fan base and deep understanding of Madrid’s identity and expectations give him a strong advantage over other candidates. Still, whether he is ready to take the leap to one of the world’s most demanding managerial jobs remains to be seen.

The pressure of delivering immediate success at Madrid is unlike any other. While Alonso has shown tremendous promise at Leverkusen, stepping into Ancelotti’s shoes would present a completely different challenge—one that would test his leadership, tactical evolution, and ability to manage superstar egos.

A waiting game begins

As the summer approaches, attention will remain fixed on both Alonso’s next move and Real Madrid’s intentions. For now, the Spaniard continues to play his cards close to his chest, focused on finishing the Bundesliga season with dignity—even if the silverware appears out of reach.

Whether he stays in Leverkusen to build a legacy or returns to Madrid to write a new chapter in his storied career, Xabi Alonso’s future will be one of the biggest managerial stories of the summer. One thing is certain: his refusal to rule out a Real Madrid move has only intensified speculation, and the football world will be watching closely.