Xabi Alonso agrees to manage Real Madrid, may sell Rodrygo for €100m

Real Madrid have secured a deal with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso to become their head coach, with the Spaniard set to sign a three-year contract immediately following the FIFA Club World Cup, according to a report published in MARCA.

The move marks a homecoming for Alonso, who has become a very promising coach after his success coaching Leverkusen.

Alonso will bring trusted assistant Sebas Parrilla, a colleague from his days coaching Real Madrid’s youth academy. The two of them have worked together since and Alonso considers him a key member of his coaching philosophy.

Physical trainer Alberto Encinas will oversee player conditioning, casting doubt on the future of current trainer Antonio Pintus. Goalkeeper coach Luis Llopis will stay at the club.

The club has made it clear that while Alonso’s input on transfers is welcome, final decisions rest with them. Real Madrid are actively seeking a left-back, a centre-back, and a midfielder—positions Alonso reportedly agrees need strengthening.

The club is also considering parting ways with Brazilian forward Rodrygo.

The club has reportedly set a €100 million price tag on the 24-year-old, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain all showing interest in securing his services.

As Real Madrid enter a period of transition and restructuring, the potential sale of Rodrygo could play a crucial role in funding new strategic signings.

Despite the Brazilian’s undeniable talent, his future at the club is now uncertain. The report suggests that his inconsistent role in the starting lineup could signal a shift in priorities under the potential arrival of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager.

Rodrygo’s performances in the Champions League have been key to Real Madrid’s successes, but his regularity in the starting XI has fluctuated. This inconsistency, despite a contract that runs until 2028, has caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Premier League giants like Manchester City and Liverpool are both keeping a close eye on the forward. Pep Guardiola is said to see Rodrygo as a perfect fit for his system, offering the flexibility and creativity City’s attack could benefit from.

Liverpool’s interest is linked to the potential departure of attacking players like Darwin Nunez, which could open up space for Rodrygo in their squad.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation closely, seeing the Brazilian as a promising addition to their attacking lineup.

The final decision on Rodrygo’s future could be influenced by the incoming managerial changes at Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso’s vision for the squad could significantly impact the club’s transfer plans, making this summer transfer window one of the most crucial in recent years for the Spanish giants.