It is taken for granted that at some point Xabi Alonso will return to Real Madrid, this time as a coach, having already been a player and youth coach. The Basque coach has demonstrated his qualities in abundance at Bayer Leverkusen and the question seems to be when, not if.

Whether it will be Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement is another matter. The Italian coach has a contract until 2026, but many believe Alonso will take over next summer. In Germany they also believe that Alonso will not come next season. According to SkySport DE via Sport, Leverkusen believe he will leave the club next summer and they believe he could head to Manchester City or Madrid to replace Pep Guardiola, under whom he worked at Bayern Munich. Die Werkself are already looking for his replacement.

Alonso also has a contract until 2026, but Leverkusen know they will struggle to keep him if he wants to leave. City are also on high alert, with Guardiola yet to extend his contract beyond 2025 and sporting director Txiki Begiristain leaving to be replaced by Sporting’s Hugo Viana. Manager Ruben Amorim is also associated with this post.

It’s worth noting that Alonso never felt the need to rush his career. He turned down Borussia Mönchengladbach among others before he was ready, spending several years coaching Real Madrid’s under-19 team before facing Real Sociedad B. He surprised many by staying this summer, but Alonso will undoubtedly continue to do things as he sees fit.