Xabi Alonso has reportedly made his decision over whether to leave Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid.
The Spaniard has quickly become one of the most sought-after managers in world football courtesy of his achievements at the BayArena last season.
Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign, as well as lifting the DFB-Pokal and reaching the Europa League final before losing to Atalanta BC.
For over a year, there has been speculation regarding a potential return to Real Madrid, a club where he spent five years of his playing career.
With current Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti all but confirmed as leaving the Bernabeu over the coming weeks, Alonso has essentially been left to consider his next move.
© Imago
What is Alonso's decision?
As per Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 43-year-old has opted to make the switch to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Plettenberg says that Alonso has already communicated the decision to Leverkusen officials, who would not have been surprised over the development.
When Alonso penned his most recent contract, it allegedly came with conditions regarding an eventual move to the La Liga giants, whether that be in 2025 or 2026.
With Ancelotti's terms running until 2026, there had been the potential for another year in Germany, but that will no longer be the case.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Real have never considered any alternatives to Alonso having identified him as the preferred successor to Ancelotti last year.
© Imago
What next?
The focus of Real Madrid is on the El Clasico with Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, trailing their fierce rivals and leaders by four points in the La Liga table with four matches remaining.
As for Alonso, Leverkusen have nothing to play for during their final two fixtures having already guaranteed second place in the Bundesliga standings behind Bayern Munich.
His final home game in charge will come against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, there being the possibility of a formal announcement being made over his future prior to that fixture.
Darren Plant
