Real Madrid 'hatch plan' to hire Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen

Real Madrid are likely to make an approach to hire Xabi Alonso as their manager next summer, a report has revealed.

Alonso shocked the world as he led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title which almost concluded in an unbeaten treble, only for Atalanta to snatch the Europa League from their grasp.

Both Bayern Munich and Liverpool had active interest in Alonso during the summer but the former midfielder ultimately rejected the chance to jump ship and pledging to remain with Leverkusen for at least one more season.

According to SPORT BILD, that plan came as music to the ears of Madrid, who were not prepared to cut ties with current boss Carlo Ancelotti this year but are open to entering a new era at the end of the season.

Ancelotti's contract does run until 2026 but the veteran Italian has long been tipped to make the move into international management and was even expected to leave last summer before signing a surprise contract renewal.

Alonso, who spent five years as a player at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2009 and 2014, is the top target to replace Ancelotti and Madrid are expected to make their move in 2025.

As for Leverkusen, the German side are braced for a shake-up of their own in 2025, when they expect to part ways with a number of their biggest stars.

Midfielder Florian Wirtz is expected to be sold to one of several interested heavyweights in a deal that will likely be worth well over €100m, while right-back Jeremie Frimpong hopes to be sold and centre-back Jonathan Tah has confirmed he will not extend his contract beyond next summer.

2025 is, therefore, seen as the perfect time for Alonso to make his move, and Madrid are likely to be leading the race for his signature.

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