Real Madrid have confirmed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, with the Spaniard replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
Ancelotti managed Real Madrid for the final time on Saturday afternoon, guiding Los Blancos to a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in their final fixture of the 2024-25 campaign, with Kylian Mbappe coming up with a brace.
On Friday, Ancelotti said that Alonso would be replacing him at Bernabeu, and official confirmation has now arrived from Real Madrid, with the Spaniard set to pen a contract with the capital team until the summer of 2028.
"Real Madrid C. F. confirms that Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from 1 June 2025, until 30 June 2028," read a statement from the Spanish giants. "Tomorrow, 26 May, at 12:30 pm CEST, Xabi Alonso will be unveiled as the new Real Madrid coach at an event held at Real Madrid City.
"Prior to this, the Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will host Xabi Alonso for the protocol signing ceremony, where he will put pen to paper on a deal that ties him to the club for the next three seasons. Following his presentation, Xabi Alonso will speak to the press at Real Madrid City."
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Alonso will sign a contract with Real Madrid until June 2028
Alonso famously turned out for Real Madrid as a player between 2009 and 2014, making 236 appearances, winning La Liga, two Copa del Rey crowns, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League.
The 43-year-old has been in charge of Bayer Leverkusen since October 2022, boasting a record of 88 wins, 33 draws and 19 defeats from his 140 matches at the helm, giving him a win rate of just under 63%.
Alonso guided Leverkusen to three trophies in 2024, winning the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup, in addition to finishing as runner-up in the 2023-24 Europa League.
The Spaniard will lead Real Madrid into the 2025 Club World Cup, with his first game at the helm set to come against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal on June 18, before further fixtures against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage.
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Real Madrid are planning to be active in the summer transfer market
Real Madrid have already confirmed the arrival of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, with the capital giants winning the race for the centre-back, who has been in exceptional form during the 2024-25 campaign.
Official confirmation regarding a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet arrived, but it is understood that Los Blancos will be signing the Liverpool defender on a free transfer when his current deal expires on June 30.
Real Madrid are also expected to move for a new midfielder, with Luka Modric's exit being confirmed, while the arrival of a new attacker has not been ruled out, with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams thought to be under consideration.
Four or five players could ultimately arrive during the summer market, especially with Lucas Vazquez also set to move on this summer, while Rodrygo is being heavily linked with a departure.
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Matt Law
