XABI ALONSO has reportedly agreed to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss after confirming he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The former Los Blancos star will quit Leverkusen for his old side on May 25, according to Marca.
And that will pave the way for Ancelotti to finalise a deal with Brazil.
Alonso confirmed on Friday that the time is right to quit German giants Leverkusen after two successful seasons.
He said at a press conference: “This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach. We have been talking during this week that is always about the moment and now is the right moment to announce it.
“We have always had a good and direct communication and now that we have clarity, it is the right moment to say that for sure. It is a moment with mixed emotions but it is the moment to announce it.
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“It’s not the moment to talk about the future. Now we know, we want to have a proper farewell on Sunday for some players and for myself. We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions.”
The former Liverpool, Real and Bayern Munich star led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title last year, with his side also becoming the first ‘Invincibles’ side in Germany top-flight history.
This season will see them finish second behind Bayern Munich.
And after being linked with a move to Real last summer, Alonso has now reportedly decided to return to the Bernabeu.
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He made 236 appearances during six years as a Los Blancos player, winning a LaLiga title, two Copa del Reys and the Champions League.
Alonso had long been earmarked by Real chiefs as a future manager.
And he will now pen a three-year contract to help the club regain their title from champions-elect Barcelona.
The Italian will have a grand send-off to toast the 15 trophies he’s delivered in two spells.
As for Ancelotti, he is said to have mutually agreed to part ways with Real later this month.
And Ancelotti will then finalise a deal with Brazil to lead them at next summer’s World Cup.
After securing Alonso, Real’s thoughts will immediately turn to the transfer market.
A free deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has already been agreed.
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While a new left-back and midfielder are also high on the list of priorities, with Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi favoured.
Real want to land a new centre-back too, with Bournemouth’s Spanish international Dean Huijsen their top target alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
