Real Madrid’s Coaching Carousel: Xabi Alonso Set to Take the Helm
In the ever-dynamic world of football, Real Madrid is on the brink of a significant change. According to multiple sources, the club is finalizing a deal for Xabi Alonso to become their new coach. This move is expected to happen as soon as possible, with the club eager to have him in place for this summer’s Club World Cup. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the potential new leadership at the Bernabéu.
Alonso, who has been making waves in the coaching world, is reportedly keen to take charge of the team early. Sources indicate that he sees the limited time for a proper pre-season after the tournament as a challenge he is ready to tackle head-on. The Club World Cup is set to end just a month before the 2025-26 LaLiga campaign begins, making the timing of his arrival crucial.
One essential condition for Alonso’s final agreement is the approval of Bayer Leverkusen, where he has been coaching. However, this is not expected to be an issue, given the good relationship between the two clubs. Alonso announced last Friday that he would not continue as Leverkusen coach, stating it was “the right moment” to move on. On Sunday, he mentioned that he would announce his next move “shortly,” adding to the speculation and excitement surrounding his future.
As the football world waits with bated breath, it seems that Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabéu has been agreed upon and is expected to be announced publicly soon. This news comes on the heels of Carlo Ancelotti being announced as the new head coach of Brazil, marking a significant shift in the coaching landscape.
Real Madrid’s recent 4-3 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico has left the team on the brink of losing out in the LaLiga title race. They currently trail Barça by seven points with just three games remaining, adding pressure to the incoming coach to turn things around.
In addition to the coaching change, sources have also told ESPN that Madrid is close to confirming another early arrival: Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. The plan is for the defender to travel to the United States for the Club World Cup. Both clubs must agree on a compensation fee, as the England international’s contract at Anfield expires on June 30th. Liverpool has asked for a fee to release him, which would be around €1 million ($1.1m).
With the right-back position covered, Madrid is also looking to strengthen the center of defense and left-back. The club believes both positions need more quality and additional players, as the defense has been the most vulnerable part of the team this season.
- Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen have been discussed as potential recruits, although their relatively high price tags of €60 million ($66.7m) and €50m ($55.6m) respectively are a drawback.
- William Saliba is another player who is highly rated. Madrid has tracked the Arsenal player since his loan spell at Marseille in 2021. However, his contract expires in 2027, and the high cost of a move would mean either waiting to negotiate with Arsenal in a year’s time or waiting for him to become a free agent.
Additions to central midfield haven’t been ruled out either, as Madrid looks to fill a key role following the retirement of Toni Kroos last summer. The club is carefully considering its options, balancing the need for new talent with the financial implications of such moves.
As for departures, several players are expected to leave, which will also impact possible recruits. However, club sources told ESPN they don’t expect a major overhaul of the squad. The focus seems to be on strategic additions and maintaining a strong core team.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirland and Rodrigo Faez
