Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid return looms as Leverkusen confirm 'exit pact'

With Carlo Ancelotti's future at the Santiago Bernabeu uncertain, Leverkusen are bracing for a potential departure of their transformative manager.

Fernando Carro, Leverkusen's CEO, confirmed the arrangement, stating that Alonso could leave if approached by one of the clubs he played for, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern Munich. "We have a gentleman's agreement that if a team he's played for comes, we'll sit down and talk, and we won't put obstacles in his way," Carro said at a press conference in Madrid ahead of the Laureus Awards.

However, any move would come at a cost, with reports indicating Leverkusen would demand a transfer fee of 15 to 20 million euros to release Alonso, whose contract runs until 2026.

Alonso, 43, has transformed Leverkusen since taking charge in October 2022, leading them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023-24, alongside the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup. His success has made him a prime target for Real Madrid, where he played from 2009 to 2014, winning the Champions League and La Liga.

Carro acknowledged the speculation but stressed the club's preparedness. "In a few weeks, we'll know if there's a coaching change, but we're a professional club and have to be ready for anything," he said.

Despite Leverkusen's desire to keep Alonso, Carro emphasized the need for clarity soon. "The decision has to be made in the next three or four weeks; we can't wait until the end of the season," he added.

Alonso remains integral to Leverkusen's planning for next season, but Carro admitted, "If there's interest from another club and he's interested, we'd have to discuss it. It's not our wish, but we're realistic."

Recent posts on X have fueled the narrative, with sources like @FabrizioRomano stating, "Xabi Alonso remains top priority of Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti, plan clear for months; still waiting for formal steps. Leverkusen will NOT stand in Xabi's way."

Alonso's connection to Real Madrid, combined with his tactical acumen, makes him the ideal candidate to succeed Ancelotti, whose tenure has been questioned after a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal and a shaky La Liga campaign.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, are focused on maintaining stability, with Carro praising Alonso's impact. "From the moment we signed Xabi, we knew he was going to be a great coach," he said. "We've been working together for almost three years, and he's fully integrated."

As the clock ticks, the football world awaits a decision that could reshape both clubs' futures, with Alonso's next move set to dominate headlines.