New era at Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso set to sign three-year deal with Spanish giants

Real Madrid are poised for a new era under Xabi Alonso, who will succeed Carlo Ancelotti as the head coach ahead of the 2025/26 season. (h/t Marca).

Having been rumoured for weeks that the former Madrid midfielder is the leading candidate to take up the mantle from Ancelotti, the deal is now coming to fruition.

Alonso has decided to end his association with Bayer Leverkusen after three seasons. He is set to pen a new three-year contract with Los Blancos.

Ancelotti’s position came under scrutiny following Madrid’s below-par form this season.

They exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals against Arsenal and lost the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals against Barcelona.

Madrid’s chances of winning the La Liga crown are also slim, trailing Barca by four points in the league table.

Nevertheless, these results will not take the shine off his incredible achievements in his second stint at Santiago Bernabeu.

The veteran gaffer has led them to two La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, one Copa del Rey and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Madrid are also planning a grand farewell for Ancelotti at the end of the season.

He has been heavily linked with the managerial position at the Brazil national team for his next chapter.

Meanwhile, Alonso has grown into one of the elite managers in such a short career.

The Spaniard has helped Leverkusen climb out of the relegation zone and transformed them into one of the juggernauts in Europe.

He led Die Werkself to an unprecedented Bundesliga title last season, which ended Bayern Munich’s dominance for a decade.

Although Bayern have reclaimed the title this season, Leverkusen are well-positioned to finish as runners-up as well as secure their place in the Champions League.