OFFICIAL: Xabi Alonso announces Leverkusen departure and eyes Madrid switch

After months of speculation, Xabi Alonso has confirmed his decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. “This week, the club and I have agreed these will be my last two games as Leverkusen coach,” he told reporters ahead of Sunday’s match against Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund's visit on Sunday will be the Spaniard's final match at Leverkusen’s BayArena, giving him the opportunity to bid a proper farewell to the fans. "This is the right moment to announce it because we have always had this good communication with the club," he added.

"We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions, it is emotional. I spoke to the players and the staff it was not easy. We’ve had a great connection, and that’s been the key. They believed in me and they’ve followed me.

"I want to have a proper goodbye this weekend. It has been a long, meaningful and successful time here at this club. I want to give the respect (they have shown me) back, until the very last day," he concluded.

Following the 43-year-old’s words came the club's official announcement: "After almost two-and-a-half years, and during the most successful period in the club's history, our head coach, Xabi Alonso, will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season."

Real Madrid on the horizon

Having led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga shield and German double in an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023/24, Xabi Alonso is ready to take the next step in his managerial career, with Real Madrid on the horizon.

Reports from Spain have informed that the former midfielder has already agreed to a three-year deal, thus succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to leave before the end of the World Cup to become manager of the Brazil national team.

Alonso has long been in the frontrunning position to take over from the Italian after a disappointing season in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid have one final chance to salvage their season, as they face Barcelona in what may well be a title-deciding 'Clasico'.