Official: Xabi Alonso announces Bayer Leverkusen exit ahead of Real Madrid move | OneFootball

As was expected, Xabi Alonso has announced that he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, ahead of his imminent move to Real Madrid.

The former midfielder is all set to take over as the next manager at the Santiago Bernabeu with Carlo Ancelotti on his way out once La Liga is over.

Alonso announced his departure at a press conference earlier today before Leverkusen issued an official statement confirming the agreement for the Spaniard to move on at the end of the campaign, bringing an end to his two-and-a-half-year stint at the club.

“We have agreed together with the club that these are my two last matches with the club,” Alonso revealed in his press conference.

As part of the club statement, the 43-year-old thanked Bayer Leverkusen for the opportunity handed to him back in 2022, following which he was able to lead the team to the domestic double in the 2023/24 season.

“I am very grateful to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, my players and staff, all the club’s employees and, last but not least, the fantastic fans. Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance,” emphasised Alonso.

“Winning the German championship for the first time is very well deserved by this club, which has placed extraordinary trust in me. My thanks and affection go to everyone who helped make this triumph, including the cup win in Berlin, a reality,” said Alonso.

“Bayer 04 is ready for the future. The positive path will continue and I will follow it closely.”

An agreement is already in place between Alonso and Real Madrid and an official announcement could follow soon, with Ancelotti’s exit expected to be confirmed soon after Sunday’s El Clasico.