Xabi Alonso to Leave Leverkusen at End of Season

Spanish coach Xabi Alonso announced on Friday that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current season, ending a highly successful tenure that lasted nearly three years.

Speaking at a press conference, Alonso said the decision came after deep reflection and confirmed that the upcoming league matches against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz would be his final ones in charge.

“I feel the time is right. It’s been a wonderful experience full of success, and I leave proud of everything we achieved together,” he stated.

Alonso led Leverkusen through an extraordinary season, guiding the team to an unbeaten domestic double, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s brightest up-and-coming managers.

Although he has not confirmed his next move, media outlets in Spain and Germany link him with Real Madrid, where he’s expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti after the Club World Cup in summer 2025.

Alonso took over Leverkusen in October 2022 and quickly turned the club from underperformers into European contenders.