Alonso officially confirms impending exit from Bayer Leverkusen at end of season

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season, amid reports linking him to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Alonso said it was "the right moment" to announce the exit, but did not confirm his next post, adding that it was "not the right moment to talk too much about the future."

Spanish and German media reports claimed the 43-year-old has already agreed to join Real Madrid, and will replace Carlo Ancelotti after the FIFA Club World Cup, with a compensation payment of around 12 million euros ($13.5 million) to be paid to Leverkusen.

After taking charge at Leverkusen in October 2022, Alonso guided the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2023-24, the first league title in the club's history.

In March 2024, Alonso declared he would stay with the team despite reported interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, all of whom he played for during his highly-decorated career.

"We have to enjoy this moment, with mixed emotions. I spoke this morning to the players, the staff, who have been with me during this unbelievable, fantastic three years," Alonso said.

Alonso will be in the home dugout for the final time on Sunday against Borussia Dortmund, before coaching his last match with Leverkusen on the road against Mainz next Saturday.

"Now it's the moment to share it on Sunday, especially with the fans, in the stadium on Sunday, where I lived great emotions and where I have become what I am right now," he added. "Football is about the moment and I think is a good moment for everyone. Let's enjoy it ... We can be happy and proud of what we have achieved always with the good feeling we're taking the club in the right direction."

Leverkusen's title defense ended with a 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Sunday, which confirmed Bayern Munich as this season's Bundesliga champions. Alonso's side will finish in second place regardless of the results from their final two matches.