Real Madrid dealt major blow in their pursuit for Ancelotti’s successor | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s embarrassing loss to FC Barcelona last weekend played an important catalyst, as far as the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti is concerned.

Although Real Madrid continue to back the Italian, the club are slowly losing their faith in him, especially due to his stubbornness in not utilising younger players in the team.

Nevertheless, amid mounting pressure on Ancelotti, many would have felt that Xavi Alonso could serve as a guaranteed scheme for Real Madrid next season.

The Spaniard is currently one of the hottest managerial prospects in the world right now, and after continuing at Leverkusen in the past summer, many believe he could join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.

Big blow for Los Blancos

However, Real Madrid have been dealt with a massive blow in their hopes of acquiring the services of Alonso next summer.

That is because Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has recently squashed rumours of Alonso’s potential exit.

Simon Rolfes is confident of Xabi Alonso’s stay at Leverkusen (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

When asked about Leverkusen being linked with a move for Sebastian Hoeness, Rolfes replied, “Well, I know the name Hoeness, of course. But there are so many names that have come up that there is no point in speculating about it.

“We have a preferred candidate for this season and we also have one for next season, and on both occasions, it is Xabi Alonso. That’s what matters,” he told DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Following Rolfes’ comment, DAZN reporter Laura Wontorra went on to ask a follow-up question: What are the chances of Xabi Alonso staying at Leverkusen until 2026?

In response, the Bayer Leverkusen director said, “At the moment 100 per cent. He has a contract and shows no signs of going in another direction.”

He added: “Following the coaches and players and obtaining information is still my job and that of my team, that is completely normal. But as long as there is no need…”

Rolfes’ statement makes it clear that Leverkusen are planning ahead with Alonso in mind, which, in turn, could serve as a major blow for Real Madrid.

This is indeed a warning sign for Los Blancos, that the club cannot afford to take Alonso for granted and must start finding other alternatives in the market.