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Xabi Alonso is ready to take over as Real Madrid’s manager. The club is likely to make the switch this summer after a disappointing season. Carlo Ancelotti still has ties with both Madrid and Brazil, with rumors about his future. Meanwhile, Betis want to keep Antony, and Manchester United are scouting new players.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid’s board is likely to replace Carlo Ancelotti after a tough 2024-25 season. The team was knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarterfinals and lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. With five La Liga matches left, they are four points behind leaders Barcelona, making a title win unlikely. Amid this, Xabi Alonso—who led Bayer Leverkusen to success in Germany—is ready to take the Real Madrid job. Ancelotti’s contract runs until next season, but the Brazil Football Confederation wants him as Brazil’s next manager. They have given him a late-May deadline to decide. Betis want to keep Brazilian winger Antony, while Manchester United scouts watched him play in their latest match, suggesting transfer interest. Rumors of Kana Biyik moving to Manchester United have been denied.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Xabi Alonso’s expected move signals a new era for Real Madrid. The Spanish coach turned around Bayer Leverkusen, guiding them to an unbeaten Bundesliga season and a domestic double—the first in German football. His new playing style and strategic signings are expected to refresh Madrid’s approach after a poor season. Reports say Alonso has a shortlist of transfer targets, including Martin Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz, although landing these players will be challenging. Carlo Ancelotti’s future is uncertain, as the Brazil national team is interested in him and he has a good relationship with both Los Blancos and Brazilian officials.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Real Madrid’s immediate focus is on finishing the La Liga season, where they are four points behind Barcelona, with Girona just two points behind in third place. Their next game is against Villarreal, who are fifth and aiming for a Champions League spot. Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen will finish their Bundesliga campaign as unbeaten champions. At Madrid, preparations for a squad rebuild ahead of the 2025-26 season are already underway. As the managerial change progresses, the club will work on finalizing Alonso’s appointment and targeting new signings. For Betis and Manchester United, Antony’s future remains uncertain as summer transfer plans develop.
