Carlo Ancelotti To Brazil, Xabi Alonso To Real Madrid – What Do We Know
If we can take the latest rumours and some confirmations coming from Santiago Bernabeu seriously, Real Madrid and Brazilian national football team would be having new bosses very soon.
The future of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is hanging by a thread, with growing signs pointing to a summer departure. The Italian manager, under contract until 2026, is reportedly close to parting ways with the club amid mounting pressure following underwhelming results and a one-sided campaign against Barcelona.
Having already crashed out of the Champions League and with the Copa del Rey final on the horizon, Ancelotti’s exit may be sealed should Real Madrid fall short again. However, this departure is expected to be far more respectful than his abrupt 2015 exit. Club president Florentino Pérez and the board remain deeply appreciative of Ancelotti, the most decorated manager in Real’s history.
At the same time, the Brazilian football federation is stepping up its efforts to bring Ancelotti in as their new head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Journalists Jorge Picon and Rodra P report that Brazil hope to finalise the appointment by May, allowing Ancelotti to take charge for the June international break. Brazilian emissaries are reportedly in Madrid, working closely with his camp to speed up talks.
If Ancelotti departs, all eyes turn to Xabi Alonso. The former Madrid midfielder, now making waves at Bayer Leverkusen, has long been viewed as the heir apparent. Real Madrid have made him their top target, and the stars appear to be aligning.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro confirmed a verbal agreement exists, allowing Alonso to leave for one of his former clubs. “If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk and we won’t put obstacles in his way,” said Carro.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and journalist Ben Jacobs both confirmed that discussions around Alonso’s future are ongoing, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes noted the need for clarity as the German club plans for the next season.
Real Madrid have been preparing for this transition for months, aware of Alonso’s longstanding interest in returning to the Bernabéu. Having turned down approaches from the Premier League and Bayern Munich last year, Alonso seems primed for the step up.
