Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid? Bayer Leverkusen confirms 'gentlemen's agreement' to exit the german team

Bayer Leverkusen has a "gentleman agreement" with their coach Xabi Alonso, allowing him to leave the club if any of the teams he played for during his career expresses interest in hiring him. This was confirmed by the club's CEO, Fernando Carro, who spoke earlier today in Madrid during the Laureus Awards, where Leverkusen is nominated for the "breakthrough team" category.

Carro explained that, should Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid make an offer, the club would not stand in the way of Alonso's departure. With Real Madrid's ongoing uncertainty surrounding Carlo Ancelotti's future, the Spanish giants are seen as the most likely destination for the 43-year-old coach.

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Bayer Leverkusen will allow Alonso's departure in a "gentleman's agreement"

Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso have a "gentleman's agreement" in place, which would allow the Basque coach to leave the club this summer if any of the teams he played for during his career expresses interest in hiring him.

This was confirmed earlier today in Madrid by Bayer Leverkusen's CEO, Fernando Carro, who is in the Spanish capital for the Laureus Awards, where the German club is nominated in the "breakthrough team" category.

“We have a gentleman’s agreement that if any of the teams he has played for (Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid) come calling, we would sit down to talk, and we wouldn’t stand in the way,” Carro said. Given the uncertainty around Carlo Ancelotti's future at Real Madrid, the Spanish giants seem to be the most likely destination for the 43-year-old.

Carro further explained that while they have not yet discussed a potential move with Alonso, they are preparing for the 2025/26 season with him. "We are not naïve, but the coach’s position is crucial for the club, and we are preparing for next season with him. He is fully involved in the planning process," he added.

Leverkusen CEO talks about Alonso's departure possibilities

However, Carro also acknowledged the situation at Real Madrid and didn’t shy away from the possibility of a coaching change at the Santiago Bernabéu. “We are a professional club, and we must be prepared for any situation. If another club shows interest, and if Xabi Alonso is interested, we would need to talk about it. It’s not our preference, but we’re clear with him,” he said.

Regarding the timeline, Carro emphasized that any decision related to Alonso’s future must be made soon. "The decision needs to be made in the next three or four weeks, no later. There’s nothing concrete right now, but in that time, we will know if there are any significant changes," he concluded.

If Alonso were to reach an agreement with Real Madrid, it remains to be seen whether he would manage the team during the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place from June 14 to July 13, or if Raúl or Santiago Solari, who are part of the club’s coaching staff, would take charge of the team during that period.