The CEO of Leverkusen Approves Alonso’s Joining Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro said Monday that the Spanish manager and his coach, Xabi Alonso, had a “gentleman’s agreement” that would allow him to go away if he was called up by one of the teams he played for in his playing days.

The 43-year-old former midfielder, who had a stellar career playing for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and his childhood club Real Sociedad, is reportedly the heavy favorite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital.

There are questions over the 65-year-old Italian manager’s future after Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat.

He might step down at the end of the current season to take the spot on the Brazilian national team, according to a number of rumors, which would further open the door for Alonso to rejoin Real Madrid.

The former Spanish international, who has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen that expires in June 2026, has done well in his brief time as manager.

In addition to winning the DFB Supercup and German Cup, he led them to their first Bundesliga triumph, ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year league supremacy.

“We have a gentleman’s agreement that if any of the teams he has played for calls, we would sit down and talk and we wouldn’t put any obstacles in his way,” Carro said to reporters in Madrid on Monday prior to the Laureus Awards, where Bayer Leverkusen is set to receive a Breakthrough of the Year nomination.

“(Last year) Xabi promised to stay with us despite receiving offers from major teams. Since the season is still going on, it might be a little early to speak.

“Perhaps things will occur. In order to make a decision, we have allowed ourselves some time.

“We are extremely at ease, and that is about all that can be said.”

Despite the “great” relationship between Leverkusen and Real Madrid, Carro said the Spanish team has not contacted them regarding Alonso.

“We are not naive, but we are working with the coach to prepare for the upcoming season because his position is very important for a club,” Carro stated.

Every day, we have been working with him, and he is totally committed to that preparation.

Since our club is highly professional, we must be ready for anything.

“We have a relationship that we would have to discuss if eventually another club expressed interest and he was interested in attending that club.

“This depends on Xabi’s will; we respect Xabi and he respects us.”