XABI ALONSO has reportedly agreed to take over from Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s new manager, following confirmation that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.

According to Marca, the former Madrid midfielder will depart Leverkusen on May 25 and make his return to the Santiago Bernabeu as head coach.

Ancelotti, meanwhile, is set to take the Brazil national team job this summer after a successful second spell with Los Blancos.

Alonso officially confirmed his decision on Friday, telling reporters:

“This week the club and I have agreed that these two games will be my last as Bayer Leverkusen coach. Now is the right moment to announce it.We’ve had honest communication and it’s time to enjoy these final moments. It’s not yet time to speak about the future — let’s focus on a proper farewell.”

Alonso has enjoyed a historic tenure in Germany, guiding Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title and finishing the league campaign unbeaten, a first in German top-flight history. The team is set to finish second behind Bayern Munich this season.

Previously linked with the Real Madrid job, Alonso has now reportedly decided to return to the club where he made 236 appearances between 2009 and 2015, winning LaLiga, two Copa del Rey titles, and the Champions League.

He is expected to sign a three-year contract as Madrid look to reclaim domestic dominance from rivals Barcelona.

Ancelotti, who has won 15 trophies over two spells with the club, will receive a grand farewell. He is said to have mutually agreed to leave at the end of the season and is set to sign with Brazil to lead them into the 2026 World Cup.

With Alonso’s appointment set, Real Madrid will shift focus to the transfer market.

A free transfer deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold has already been secured.

Targets also include Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, while Dean Huijsen (on loan at Bournemouth) and Arsenal’s William Saliba are top picks for the central defence.