Alonso Keeps Focus on Leverkusen Despite Real Madrid Speculation

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso refuses to rule out a potential move to Real Madrid, keeping his options open amid speculation.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso refused to rule out a potential move to Real Madrid in the summer. Alonso's name has been linked to the Spanish giants following their heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, which could lead to the departure of Carlo Ancelotti. “It's not a good time to discuss the future,” Alonso said. “We're at a very important moment in the season.”

Alonso, who spent five seasons playing for Real Madrid and won the Champions League and LaLiga, has achieved significant success as Leverkusen's manager. He led the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title last season, along with a domestic double. Alonso took over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022 and has since established himself as a top coach in the Bundesliga.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is focused on the remainder of the season, despite speculation about his future. With Leverkusen six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich and five games remaining, Alonso prioritizes the team's current performance. “I do not want to talk about speculation and rumours,” Alonso said, adding, “I understand that this is happening, but what's more important to me is what's happening right now.”

Until the end ✊#FCSPB04 | @CocaCola_De pic.twitter.com/S6Qov1ilAf

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 18, 2025

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro expressed confidence in Alonso's future at the club. “He feels comfortable here. We're also planning next season with him: preseason, matches, squad,” Carro said last Saturday, suggesting that Alonso will remain in charge beyond this season.

Xabi Alonso faced similar speculation last year when Leverkusen was linked to a potential Madrid move, as well as interest from Liverpool and Bayern. At that time, Alonso called a press conference to address the rumors and focus on the team's pursuit of a maiden Bundesliga title, which they ultimately achieved.

This season, despite another strong campaign, Leverkusen faces the possibility of finishing without a trophy. The team is likely to miss out on the Bundesliga title and has already been eliminated from the German Cup by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals. Leverkusen also suffered a Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern in the last 16.