Is Xabi Alonso Leaving Bayer Leverkusen?

Synopsis
Xabi Alonso's departure from Bayer 04 Leverkusen marks the end of a historic chapter for the club. After leading them to unprecedented success, including a treble win, speculation mounts about his next move, potentially to Real Madrid. Discover how Alonso's leadership transformed Leverkusen and what lies ahead for the football icon.
Key Takeaways
- Xabi Alonso led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
- The team achieved a historic domestic treble.
- Alonso's leadership style emphasized teamwork and trust.
- Leverkusen's unbeaten streak set a new European record.
- Speculation surrounds Alonso's potential move to Real Madrid.
Leverkusen, May 9 (NationPress) Xabi Alonso has officially declared his exit from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, marking the end of a remarkable tenure at the club. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who assumed the managerial role in October 2022, is rumored to be on the verge of joining Real Madrid.
During Alonso's leadership, Leverkusen reached unprecedented heights, notably securing their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season without suffering a single defeat—a record that remains unmatched in German football history.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Bayer 04 Leverkusen, my players and staff, all the club's employees, and, importantly, the incredible fans. Our achievements were the result of a superb team effort," Alonso stated.
"This club, which placed immense trust in me, rightfully earned the German league title for the first time. I am thankful to everyone who contributed to this success, including the DFB Pokal triumph in Berlin. Bayer 04 is well-prepared for the future. The positive trajectory will continue, and I look forward to witnessing it," added Alonso.
The squad also captured the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup, completing an extraordinary domestic treble. Their unbeaten streak reached 51 matches across all competitions, establishing a new European record before a defeat in the Europa League final against Atalanta.
The 2024–25 season saw Leverkusen finish second in the Bundesliga, highlighted by a Supercup victory and a Champions League Round of 16 appearance.
"A significant milestone in the evolution of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Together with Xavi, we have assembled a team that has captivated the football world with both skill and mentality. We take pride in the substantial progress made and the club's current standing, and we wish Xabi all the best in his future endeavors. I am confident our paths will intersect again," stated Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.
Alonso's announcement of departure, made ahead of the season's concluding matches, coincides with reports linking him to the managerial role at Real Madrid, where he once played. While an official confirmation is awaited, sources indicate he has agreed to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.