Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of this season, with reports suggesting he will take over as Real Madrid’s new manager.The 43-year-old Spaniard told his players the news before Friday’s training session. His current contract runs until 2026, but he has chosen to step down a year early.Ahead of his final home game with the German side, Alonso shared:This is the right moment to announce it. Clarity is good for everyone.Recommended For YouLifestyle2025-05-09T12:18:56+00:007 reasons why some men always seem lucky (and what they’re doing differently)News2025-05-09T11:50:57+00:00How police arrested 2 suspects in Twifo Praso murder case through mobile phoneSports2025-05-09T09:08:35+00:00May 9 Accra Sports stadium disaster: Darkest day in Ghana’s football historyIt’s been 24 years since the May 9 Accra Sports Stadium disaster of 2001, which remains Africa’s deadliest football tragedy, claimed 127 lives during a match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko. Pulse Sports Ghana retells the sad tale of Ghana’s darkest day in football history…Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were near the bottom of the Bundesliga. Under his leadership, the team won the league and cup double last season, an achievement never seen before at the club.READ ALSO: Trent and 3 other world-class players Real Madrid signed for free this decadeA proud Alonso said he was glad about what he’s achieved with the Bundesliga side:I think that we can be happy, we can be proud of what we have achieved during this time.Although Leverkusen made history by going unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season, this year they couldn’t maintain the same form and now sit eight points behind champions Bayern Munich with two matches remaining. He added:I have tried to squeeze them as much as possible. They have given me so much, so maybe we are empty right now.🚨💣 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso confirms he’s set to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen!“It’s time to confirm these will be my final games at Bayer”, Xabi Alonso says……Real Madrid new coach, soon. 🤍🔜 pic.twitter.com/5nHKlZqfBf— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2025 Real Madrid target AlonsoReal Madrid are expected to name Alonso as their manager on a three-year deal. Current boss Carlo Ancelotti is rumoured to be leaving at the end of the season and could take charge of Brazil’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.MUST READ: May 9 Accra Sports stadium disaster: Darkest day in Ghana’s football historyXabi Alonso announces he’s leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.He leaves the club a legend 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ih6ZN6dZk6— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 9, 2025 If appointed, Alonso will be tasked with rebuilding Madrid after a shaky season full of inconsistent performances.