Real Madrid could have Xabi Alonso in place as their new boss before the end of May.
Los Blancos are preparing to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season with the La Liga campaign wrapping up on May 25.
A morale-denting 4-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona on May 11 ended Ancelotti’s slim chances of retaining his Spanish top-flight crown with three league games remaining in 2024/25.
Hansi Flick now needs just one more win to pinch Ancelotti’s trophy and plans for major changes are already underway in Madrid.
Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen after their final match of the campaign on May 17 and talks with Los Blancos are underway to bring him back to the Spanish capital.
However, despite the end of the domestic campaign coming into view, Real Madrid are on a tight schedule due to this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup and that will impact Alonso’s arrival.
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Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid arrival date, contract
Real Madrid will move quickly to get Alonso in place with their overarching target of starting life under his leadership at the Club World Cup still on track.
The newly-expanded tournament kicks off on June 14, with Real Madrid’s first game scheduled for May 18, up against Al Hilal.
The club had covered for Alonso not being ready in time – with Santiago Solari on hand to step in as an interim – but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed all parties will make the flight out to the USA.
Romano indicates Alonso will sign a three-year contract in Madrid up until the end of the 2027/28 season with his backroom staff also confirmed.
No firm start date is in place, but it could be as soon as May 26, to ensure Ancelotti formally completes the season.
The 43-year-old is expected to bring some of his coaching team from Leverkusen and his first task will be a strong showing in North America.
FIFA’s bumper cash pot for the competition means Real Madrid are looking to go deep in the knockout stages with fans eager to see how Alonso handles his first major test.
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