The managerial merry-go-round in European football is poised for a high-profile shake-up, with Bayer Leverkusen setting a firm timeline for Xabi Alonso to decide his future amid intensifying links with Real Madrid.
Following a historic treble-winning campaign in Germany, the Spanish tactician is being earmarked as the prime candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Leverkusen appear ready to honour a silent pact that could ease his departure.
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Alonso’s Historic Season Triggers Elite Interest
Xabi Alonso’s coaching credentials have skyrocketed after orchestrating Bayer Leverkusen’s maiden Bundesliga triumph, remaining unbeaten throughout the league season. His side also lifted the DFB-Pokal and reached the UEFA Europa League final, cementing his place as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe. Despite strong summer interest from heavyweight clubs such as Barcelona, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, the former midfield maestro committed to Leverkusen for another campaign.
However, with Real Madrid expected to part ways with Ancelotti at the end of the season, the Bernabeu hierarchy reportedly views Alonso as the ideal successor. The anticipation surrounding his next move is now nearing a climax, as Leverkusen look to gain clarity ahead of their pre-season planning.
No Exit Clause, But a Gentlemen’s Agreement Exists
In a recent interview, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro disclosed crucial details about Alonso’s contractual status. While the Spaniard’s current deal runs until 2026, Carro emphasized there is no formal release clause—only a mutual understanding.
“No, but we have a gentlemen’s agreement,” said Carro when asked directly about an exit clause. “If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk about it and we will not put any obstacles in the way. He’s played for Bayern, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. … maybe Real Sociedad will come!”
This unwritten pact puts Alonso’s future partially in his own hands, with Leverkusen ready to cooperate should an approach arrive from one of his former clubs.
March Talks Set Decision Timeline
Carro further elaborated on the internal discussions that took place during the recent international break, highlighting the mutual respect and transparency between club and coach. The talks resulted in a loose deadline being established for Alonso’s decision.
“Last year during the international break he assured us that he would stay with us, despite having offers from other teams,” Carro revealed. “This international break, at the end of March, we sat down to talk and we have given ourselves some time to decide if he will stay with us until next year. We are very calm because we have an excellent relationship.”
With the 43-year-old manager deeply involved in next season’s squad planning, Carro confirmed that the club remains hopeful of retaining him—though a departure is not being ruled out.
Clarity Expected Within a Month
As the speculation continues to swirl, Bayer Leverkusen expects a definitive answer soon. According to Carro, Alonso has been given until mid-May to make his intentions clear.
“I am calm because the relationship with Xabi Alonso is very good. We are aware that there can be situations where there are changes that affect one club and that affect another club when it comes to players or coaches. So we are not naive.”
“The reality is that we are preparing the planning for next season and the team with him. He is totally involved in next year’s squad. If a club is interested and he is interested, we would have to talk about it, we have that relationship. Our wish is for him to continue, but we are clear that the decision has to be made in the next three or four weeks.”
Real Madrid’s Interest Acknowledged, But Still Speculative
Although Real Madrid’s admiration for Alonso is well-documented, Carro maintained that no official approach has yet been made by the Spanish giants.
“I think we can speculate a lot, right now there is nothing. In the next few weeks we will know if there is a ‘tectonic’ change between the clubs.”
This ambiguity suggests that while Real Madrid may be biding their time, Alonso’s ties to the club—where he enjoyed tremendous success as a player—make a return feel increasingly probable.
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FAQs
Is there a release clause in Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen contract?
No, but there is a gentlemen’s agreement allowing him to leave for a former club if approached.
Which clubs can Xabi Alonso leave Bayer Leverkusen for under the agreement?
Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Sociedad—clubs he previously played for.
When will Xabi Alonso decide his future at Bayer Leverkusen?
He is expected to make a final decision within the next three to four weeks.
Is Xabi Alonso set to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid?
He is the frontrunner to succeed Ancelotti, though no official offer has been made yet.
What did Alonso achieve with Bayer Leverkusen last season?
He led them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, a DFB-Pokal win, and the Europa League final.
