Real Madrid has announced that Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso will take the helm as new head coach, with Reds star Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly on the brink of joining him. The Spanish maestro is set to be unveiled after his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen concludes this season.
Alonso will take over from Carlo Ancelotti come June, having agreed to a three-year contract with the Spanish giants. Speculation is rife that Alexander-Arnold, whose Liverpool deal is winding down, is primed to link up with the former midfield maestro in Madrid.
The 43-year-old has been instrumental in propelling Leverkusen to new heights during his two-and-a-half years at the helm, rescuing the club from the threat of relegation.
In an official statement, Real Madrid declared: "Real Madrid CF announces that Xabi Alonso will be Real Madrid's manager for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.
"Xabi Alonso is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football. He wore our shirt in 236 official matches between 2009 and 2014.
"During that time, he won six titles: the tenth European Cup in Lisbon, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey titles, and one Spanish Super Cup.
"Xabi Alonso is also a legend of the Spanish national team, with which he won 1 World Cup (2010) and 2 European Championships (2008 and 2012), in 113 international matches.
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks to Mohamed Salah during Liverpool training
Trent Alexander-Arnold could make his final appearance for Liverpool against Crystal Palace (Image: Getty Images)
"Xabi Alonso kicked off his coaching career at Real Madrid's youth academy, leading the U14 A team during the 2018-2019 season, where he clinched both the League and the Champions Tournament.
"He now makes a triumphant return to Real Madrid as one of the world's top coaches, having made his mark at Bayer Leverkusen by securing the League, Cup, and German Super Cup in three seasons.
"Tomorrow, Monday, May 26, at 12:30 p.m., Xabi Alonso will be unveiled as the new manager of Real Madrid at an event taking place at Real Madrid City.
"Prior to this, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez will greet Xabi Alonso for the official signing ceremony that ties our new manager to the club for the next three seasons. After the unveiling, Xabi Alonso will address the press in the media room at Real Madrid City."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
Following Liverpool's Premier League title victory, Alexander-Arnold confirmed that he would not be extending his contract at Anfield - bringing a 20-year association with the club to an end.
This sparked outrage over the manner of his exit, and he was met with boos during the Reds' 2-2 draw against Arsenal earlier this month.
In one of his last posts as a Liverpool player, Alexander-Arnold shared a poignant five-word message on his Instagram story - he wrote: "20 years. Gave it everything," alongside a photo of his Adidas boots symbolising his 20-year association with Liverpool.