Real Madrid confident of having Xabi Alonso as new manager at FIFA Club World Cup | OneFootball

Winds of change are blowing at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti is set to bring an end to his second tenure as the Merengues’ manager.

The Italian tactician’s exit process will pick up pace after Sunday’s El Clasico, as he prepares to sign for Brazil at the end of the La Liga season.

As for his successor, Real Madrid have identified Xabi Alonso as the right man to take over the reins, with the former midfielder also confirming earlier this week that he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen once the season is over.

Real Madrid confident Alonso will take over for Club World Cup

Now, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid are confident of having Xabi Alonso in charge of the team in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Spanish capital giants share a good relationship with Leverkusen and as such there will be no problems in negotiating the 43-year-old manager’s exit.

Set to be in charge at the Club World Cup. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Real Madrid will be expected to pay a ‘symbolic’ fee to secure his release, reported to be around €5 million.

The FIFA Club World Cup starts on June 14 while Real Madrid will play their first game on June 18 against Al-Hilal.

The initial plan was for the Merengues to name current director Santiago Solari as the interim manager for the tournament with Alonso taking over once it was over.

However, it appears that the plan has changed now and there is optimism within the club that their top managerial target will be able to lead the team at the Club World Cup in the USA next month.

Alonso, for his part, was believed to have some reservations about such a move but Real Madrid seem to be keen on having the 43-year-old at the helm of affairs when they fly to the USA next month.