Real Madrid set to face Man City competition for top managerial target in 2025 | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s mixed start to the new season has put pressure on Carlo Ancelotti, who has also been quite apprehensive about utilising the team’s younger players.

Although the Italian has done extremely well to work with limited resources amid an ongoing injury crisis, his future at Santiago Bernabeu is far from secure.

Real Madrid are already looking at potential replacements for Ancelotti and are reportedly eyeing a move for Xabi Alonso at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen preparing for Alonso exit

A recent report from Florian Plettenberg has offered a fresh update on the future of Alonso.

It appears Bayer Leverkusen are preparing for the departure of Alonso, with interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City heating up.

Alonso is being considered as a potential successor at both clubs, as they begin to make plans for life after their current managers.

The 42-year-old Spanish tactician, who has been lauded for transforming Bayer Leverkusen into a top contender in the Bundesliga, is contracted to the German club until 2026.

Xabi Alonso has enjoyed immense success at Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by SASCHA SCHUERMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Leverkusen are already making preparations for a possible exit next summer, with the club reportedly eyeing Sebastian Hoeneß and Sandro Wagner as potential replacements.

Competition from Man City

Alonso’s growing reputation has attracted interest from major clubs, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both viewing him as a prime candidate for their respective managerial roles.

Real Madrid’s interest in Alonso is unsurprising. The former Los Blancos midfielder is highly regarded in the Spanish capital, where he enjoyed a successful playing career.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are also considering Alonso as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola, who could leave next summer.

City are showing concrete interest in the Spaniard, as they prepare for a future without Guardiola’s leadership.

While other clubs such as Liverpool have been linked to Alonso in the past, they appear to be out of the race, with the Premier League side reportedly content with current manager Arne Slot.