Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro confirms exit clause for former Madrid midfielder amid growing speculation.
The future of Xabi Alonso as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen has become one of the most talked-about topics in German football. With Carlo Ancelotti potentially leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, Alonso—who enjoyed a celebrated playing career at the Spanish club—has emerged as a leading candidate to take over the Santiago Bernabéu dugout.
This week, Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, addressed the situation publicly. While expressing the club’s strong desire to retain Alonso, Carro acknowledged that a “gentleman’s agreement” could allow the Spanish manager to depart early if Real Madrid makes a formal offer.
“With Xabi Alonso we have a gentleman’s agreement: if a club he has played for comes calling, we would sit down and talk. We would not stand in his way,” Carro said.
Bayer Leverkusen Hopes to Keep Alonso Long-Term
Alonso, who took over at Leverkusen in October 2022, has overseen a historic turnaround at the Bundesliga club. Under his leadership, the team went undefeated in league play, won their first-ever Bundesliga title, reached the Europa League final, and added a domestic cup to their trophy case.
“The development of the club in recent years has been exceptional,” Carro said during the Laureus Awards ceremony in Madrid. “We’re very happy with Xabi. He knows we’d like him to fulfill his contract through 2026—or even extend it.”
Carro emphasized that the coaching staff is already preparing for next season with Alonso fully involved in the club’s plans. “He is totally integrated into our planning. We’ve been working together for almost three years, and we understand that in football, changes in one club can affect others.”
Decision Expected Within Weeks, Not Months
Despite Leverkusen’s strong commitment to continuity, Carro acknowledged that circumstances may evolve quickly—especially if Madrid acts soon. He confirmed that they will not wait until the end of the season to make a final decision.
“We’ve agreed that if there’s interest and Xabi is considering it, we will talk. But the decision must come within three or four weeks. We cannot wait until the end of the season,” Carro said.
His comments suggest that while Leverkusen wants Alonso to stay, they are prepared to respond flexibly and professionally should an offer from Madrid materialize.
“We’re not naïve. We’ve been through this dynamic before,” Carro added, noting that during a past international break, Alonso reassured the club he would stay despite outside interest. “This year, we’ve followed the same approach—we gave ourselves time to decide. We’re calm. There’s nothing more to add for now.”
A Respectful Relationship Between Clubs
Carro also stressed the positive relationship between Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, suggesting that if contact is made, it will be handled respectfully and with professionalism.
“The communication between clubs is excellent, fluid, and respectful,” Carro said. “There’s nothing concrete right now. We can speculate all we want, but we’ll know more in the coming weeks.”
Alonso’s name continues to circulate in Madrid media circles as the likely heir to Ancelotti, especially after Madrid’s recent Champions League quarterfinal exit. With LaLiga and the Copa del Rey still in play, the Spanish club remains focused on finishing the season strongly—but big decisions loom.
For now, Leverkusen is operating as though Alonso will stay. But with a gentleman’s agreement in place and mutual respect between all parties, the stage may soon be set for a legendary return to Real Madrid—this time on the sidelines.