Real Madrid learn Xabi Alonso’s significant release clause

When Carlo Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid ahead of the 2021/22 season many were left questioning the club’s decision. However, the Italian has had a great second stint at Santiago Bernabeu, winning every trophy possible in the past two seasons. So far in this campaign, he has his team off to a solid start, sitting just two points behind unlikely league leaders Girona in La Liga and already securing a spot in the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

However, this could well be Ancelotti’s last season at Real Madrid. Several rumours suggest that the Italian is set to take the Brazil national team job in the summer of 2024 when his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu runs out.

If that is the case then Real Madrid must start looking at candidates to replace Ancelotti. The one name constantly mentioned in this regard is that of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

The club are believed to have their eyes on the Spaniard, who spent five years at Real Madrid as a player. But they might have to shell out a significant figure to bring him back.

Real Madrid learn Alonso’s significant release clause

As reported by Suddeutsche Zeitung (via Tribuna), it would take Real Madrid €15 million to €18 million to appoint Alonso as their head coach next summer. That is the Spaniard’s release clause at Bayer Leverkusen and he will leave the club if it gets triggered.

Rumours linking Alonso with the Real Madrid job are nothing new and have been going on for months. The Spaniard has worked wonders since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in the middle of last season, helping them finish 6th in the Bundesliga and guiding them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. When he joined, they were looking like relegation contenders.

Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are arguably the most exciting team in Europe right now. They sit two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table and have yet to lose a game so far in the ongoing season.