Real Madrid have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, as their leading candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti is being targeted by the Brazilian Football Confederation to become the next head coach of Brazil’s national team, with hopes of finalizing the move before the FIFA Club World Cup later this year.
Romano shared the update on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Xabi Alonso remains top priority of Real Madrid to replace Ancelotti, plan clear for months; still waiting for formal steps,” Romano wrote.
“Leverkusen will NOT stand in Xabi’s way; they’re aware of his desire to join Real since he turned down PL and Bayern approaches to stay one year ago.”
In a follow-up post, he added: “Brazil insist to have Carlo Ancelotti as new head coach, they want it to happen before the Club World Cup.
“Federation emissaries, in Madrid for days to approach Carlo’s camp; staying also next week to accelerate.
“Ancelotti can really leave Real Madrid, as reported.”
Interestingly, both Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti have contracts with their current clubs that run until June 2026.