Xabi Alonso to begin Real Madrid reign at Club World Cup

There has yet to be an official announcement, but it is widely understood that Xabi Alonso will succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the helm of the Madrid side. The Spaniard, who bid farewell to Bayer Leverkusen fans at the BayArena over the weekend, will take the reins in the coming weeks.

According to press, Alonso's contract with Real Madrid will run until 2028 — a detail already circulating in recent days. However, press has now added a crucial element - the date Alonso is due to begin.

Press reports that the Basque coach will lead Real Madrid at this summer's Club World Cup, putting an end to speculation that an interim manager might be installed between Ancelotti's departure and Alonso's arrival.

Recent rumours had suggested that Santiago Solari — who previously took temporary charge of Madrid during the 2018/19 season — could be brought back as a caretaker manager to bridge the gap.