As Real Madrid plan significant changes ahead of the 2025–26 season, the future of head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains the central question. With increasing speculation about the Italian’s departure and strong interest from the Brazilian national team, attention has shifted to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as the prime candidate to take over at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In response to mounting rumors, Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has publicly addressed the situation. Speaking to media this week, Carro confirmed the existence of a gentlemen’s agreement with Alonso, allowing for negotiations should one of the clubs he previously played for inquire about his availability.
“We have a gentlemen’s agreement by which, if a team in which he has played for comes, we would sit down to talk and we would not prevent him,” Carro revealed.
This clause applies specifically to Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Sociedad—all former teams where Alonso enjoyed decorated spells as a player. With Ancelotti reportedly nearing an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Real Madrid now appear poised to activate that informal clause.
Decision on Alonso’s Future Coming Soon
Carro made it clear that Bayer Leverkusen would not wait until the season concludes to resolve Alonso’s future. A decision is expected within the next few weeks.
“The decision has to be in the next three or four weeks. We can’t wait until the end of the season. Before the season ends, we will know,” he stated.
While speculation continues to swirl, Carro maintained that the club is operating under the assumption that Alonso will remain at Leverkusen for the upcoming campaign. The manager remains involved in all planning for the next season.
“The reality is that we are preparing for next season with him. We have worked every day and he is involved in the preparation for next year. I am calm because our relationship with Xabi Alonso is very good,” Carro said.
Carro Praises Alonso’s Potential and Coaching Impact
Carro offered high praise for Alonso’s growth as a coach, emphasizing that Leverkusen believed in his potential from the beginning. Since Alonso took over in October 2022, he has led a remarkable turnaround, drawing admiration for his tactical intelligence and leadership.
“Since we signed Xabi Alonso, we were convinced that he was going to be a great coach. At the time we signed him, we were already working on the following ones. You are continuously preparing players and coaches,” Carro noted.
Alonso’s ability to elevate Leverkusen to Bundesliga contention has made him a top target for elite clubs. Real Madrid, currently chasing both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, may act quickly following Ancelotti’s anticipated exit.
Leverkusen CEO Jokingly Roots for Madrid’s Success
In a lighter moment, Carro said he hoped Real Madrid would win all remaining competitions this season—suggesting that continued success in Spain might reduce pressure on Alonso to leave Germany.
“Our wish would be for him to continue. I would like Madrid to win all the competitions in which it participates because then there would be no such discussions,” he said. “They have been eliminated from the Champions League but can win the League and the Cup.”
Strong Relationship Between Leverkusen and Madrid
Carro concluded by highlighting the respectful relationship between Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. While he has only briefly met Madrid president Florentino Pérez, he maintains a strong connection with general manager José Ángel Sánchez.
“We know them. We have a very good relationship with Real Madrid. I have only seen Florentino Pérez once but I have an excellent relationship with José Ángel Sánchez,” Carro explained. “We’ve had a player on loan in Leverkusen, we’ve talked about many players in the past. There is a fluid relationship between two clubs that respect each other.”
As the countdown begins toward the end of the European season, Real Madrid’s coaching situation remains one of the most watched stories in football. Whether Alonso stays in Germany or returns to the Spanish capital could define the direction of both clubs in the years to come.