A gentleman's agreement and a looming decision

Spanish coach Xabi Alonso is facing a decisive few weeks. Bayer Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro confirmed there’s a “gentleman’s agreement” allowing the coach to leave this summer if one of his former clubs—such as Real Madrid, Liverpool, Real Sociedad, or Bayern Munich—makes a formal offer.

While Carlo Ancelotti still has one year left on his contract with Real Madrid, his future appears increasingly tied to a potential move to coach Brazil. Should the Italian depart, Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to take over at the Bernabéu.

Carro has stated that they haven’t yet discussed a possible exit with Alonso, but made it clear a deadline has been set: “The decision must be made within the next three or four weeks. We can’t wait until the end of the season,” he said.

Real Madrid waits, Leverkusen prepares

Real Madrid remains in contention for LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, and they are also set to compete in the Club World Cup in June. The uncertainty lies in whether Xabi Alonso would take over before that tournament or if someone from within the club, such as Raúl or Santiago Solari, would assume the interim role.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen is already preparing for all possible scenarios. Despite a recent setback against St. Pauli, the club acknowledges that Xabi Alonso has achieved remarkable things and hopes he will stay. However, they are realistic and ready to adapt if he decides to return to the Spanish capital.

With just four games left in the Bundesliga season, the clock is ticking. Xabi Alonso must choose between continuing the project he built at Leverkusen or embracing the biggest challenge of his managerial career: leading Real Madrid. The countdown has begun.