Bayer Leverkusen CEO hints at imminent Xabi Alonso move to Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has hinted that Xabi Alonso could be on his way to Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the summer after months of speculation.

The Leverkusen chief has confirmed there is a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ that could see the Spaniard leave for his former club as Carlo Ancelotti faces a potential sacking.

The Leverkusen CEO explained that they had “not yet” sat down with Xabi Alonso for a possible move but have been looking at preparation plans for the 2025/26 season.

Carro, indicated at the Laureus Awards, in which Bayer Leverkusen are nominated in the ’breakthrough team’ category, that the agreement categorically states that the coach could be released this summer if one of the clubs he played for during his professional career looks to sign him up.

“We have a gentlemen’s agreement that if any of the teams he has played for (Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid) come, we would sit down to talk and we would not put any impediment,”

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti’s role at the Bernabeu has come under intense scrutiny in recent times, with Sky Sports report revealing that the Italian could be leaving the current Spanish champions after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona later in the month.

The reigning European champions were knocked out at the quarter-final stage after a 2-1 defeat to the Gunners over the week.

Xabi Alonso has a gentleman’s agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to leave if Real Madrid come calling (Image credit: Getty Images)

In the aftermath of the loss, Ancelotti cast doubt on his future by hinting that his time at the Santiago Bernabeu may be coming to an end.

Alonso, 43, has been a revelation as a coach since taking over the role at Leverkusen, going unbeaten last season in the Bundesliga to usurp perennial winners Bayern Munich to the title.

Since then, the ex-Spanish international has been linked with a move to the 15-time European Champions with the slightest of chance.

These speculations have always not gone unnoticed by the Leverkusen bosses, who are well aware of the situation as it unfolds.

“We are not naive, but the position of the coach is very important for a club and it is true that we are preparing next season with him, we have followed him working every day, he is fully involved in that preparation,” he said.

Carro is well-informed about the situation Real Madrid are going through and did not want to escape the fact that it could lead to a change in the head coach on the bench at the Bernabeu.

“We are a very professional club and we have to be prepared for everything.

“If at the end there was an interest from another club and he was interested in going to that club, we have a relationship that we would have to talk about it.

“It is not our desire, but with him we are clear,” he added.

Carro made it clear that the possible departure of the coach and the gentlemen’s agreement is time-bound and would have some sort of expiration date in order to prepare well for next season.