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Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach on a three-year deal, with the former midfielder set to take charge following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure.
Alonso, 43, returns to the Bernabéu after a successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double in 2023–24. He will officially begin duties at Real Madrid’s training complex on Monday and will oversee the club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign next month.
His appointment has sparked renewed interest in the future of several players, including Brahim Díaz, who could benefit from a fresh managerial approach.
Díaz is pushing for minutes
The 25-year-old Moroccan international has struggled for consistent playing time under Ancelotti, registering six goals and seven assists in 51 appearances this season – most of them from the bench.
Díaz is under contract until 2027, but reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are open to offers in the region of €60m as the club aims to raise transfer funds. Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring his situation, with Mikel Arteta reportedly keen on bringing the versatile attacker to North London.
Madrid’s forward line remains crowded, with Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé expected to lead the attack next season. The emergence of Arda Güler and Nico Paz has further limited Díaz’s opportunities.
Alonso’s arrival could shift the dynamic
Alonso is known for nurturing young talent and building flexible systems at Leverkusen, where he gave key roles to attacking midfielders and wide players. That philosophy may offer Díaz a renewed opportunity to stake his claim at the Bernabéu.
While club officials are yet to decide on Díaz’s future, sources close to the player say he is keen to stay and fight for his place. Alonso’s arrival could prove decisive.
The Spanish coach, who made 236 appearances for Real Madrid during his playing career, is expected to assess the squad during pre-season before making key decisions on player roles ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
