Real Madrid has its new manager: Xabi Alonso has signed a three-year deal with the Spanish giants, according to sources close to the club. The agreement, finalized in recent days, sees Alonso make the move from Bayer Leverkusen after a historic run in Germany. He’s set to be officially unveiled on June 1, right after the Champions League final.

A new era kicks off right away

The Basque coach will hit the ground running, taking charge of the team in the revamped Club World Cup, set to begin on June 18 in the United States. For club president Florentino Pérez, that tournament marks the beginning of a new era — and bringing in Alonso early gives him the chance to prepare the squad and go for a title that could bring over €120 million into the club’s coffers.

Xabi Alonso’s contract runs through June 2028, signaling a medium-term project with one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches. His departure from Bayer Leverkusen was on good terms, after a brilliant season where he led the team to a Bundesliga title, a Cup, a Supercup, and a spot in a European final.

A homecoming at the right time

Alonso returns to the Bernabéu eleven years after leaving as a player, and six years after coaching in Madrid’s youth setup. He’ll face some big decisions right away — including what to do with veterans like Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, and how to integrate new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold. His main mission? Restore Madrid to its best.