Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen > Real Madrid)
May 2025
Xabi Alonso is reportedly close to finalizing a move to become Real Madrid’s new head coach, with Fabrizio Romano stating the Spaniard is ready to say yes.
Alonso is expected to complete the move once terms for his exit from Bayer Leverkusen are settled. The German club is accelerating its search for a replacement in anticipation of his departure.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
May 2025, ahead of summer transfer window
Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain as he loses his starting role to Arda Güler. With interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, Madrid may look to cash in with a €100m asking price.
Diario AS reports Rodrygo is now “on the edge of a cliff” following Güler’s rise, and with Xabi Alonso likely to take over as manager, the Brazilian’s exit could be approved depending on the new tactical direction. His contract runs until 2028.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Summer 2025
Arsenal and Manchester City are keen to sign Rodrygo for around €100m as Real Madrid prepare for a managerial transition to Xabi Alonso. Rodrygo, 24, is not seen as essential in Madrid’s attack compared to Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.
With his role under Alonso unclear, the Brazilian is evaluating options, and Premier League giants are ready to tempt him with key roles in their squads. Real Madrid are yet to make a firm decision.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Summer 2025
Real Madrid have held talks for weeks with Saliba’s camp, making him their top transfer priority after Champions League elimination by Arsenal.
Saliba has become a defensive leader at Arsenal, but with two years left on his deal, Madrid are pushing while Arsenal hope to secure a contract extension.
Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
May 2025 (Ongoing Transfer Discussions)
Real Madrid hope Manchester United activate Álvaro Carreras’ €18m buy-back clause from Benfica, allowing Madrid to then buy him for €30–35m—avoiding Benfica’s €60m asking price.
Carreras, who left United for Benfica in 2024 and has excelled in the Portuguese league and Champions League, is a former Real Madrid youth player. Madrid see a potential reunion but aim to bypass Benfica’s premium valuation.
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
May 2025 (Ahead of Club World Cup & World Cup Qualifiers)
Talks between Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil’s FA over a potential managerial switch have stalled due to timing issues and external interest, with Jorge Jesus now emerging as a new candidate for the Brazil role.
Ancelotti is expected to stay with Real Madrid until at least the end of the LaLiga season, as discussions with club president Florentino Perez continue. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds who will lead Real during the Club World Cup in June, with Xabi Alonso still viewed as the long-term successor.
Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)
April 2025 (Copa del Rey Final aftermath)
Antonio Rüdiger received a six-game ban after being sent off for throwing an object during Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona. Jude Bellingham’s red card was rescinded after video review disproved the referee’s report.
The Spanish federation cited a “material error” in Bellingham’s case but upheld Rüdiger’s suspension, citing insufficient remorse. Lucas Vázquez also received a two-game ban for protesting on the pitch after being substituted.
Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)
April 2025
Antonio Rüdiger underwent successful surgery for a partial meniscus tear and is expected to miss up to two months, ruling him out for the rest of the LaLiga season and jeopardizing his Club World Cup participation.
Rüdiger injured his knee during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, played on with pain, and later apologized for unsportsmanlike conduct. He is targeting a return for the Nations League and Club World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil National Team)
Early June 2025 (Expected start)
Carlo Ancelotti has reached an agreement to become the next Brazil manager, with plans for him to begin his role in early June, before the Club World Cup.
Brazil’s football federation wants Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, finalizing the transition after discussions with the veteran coach.
Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
April 2025 (Pending formal announcement)
Xabi Alonso is reportedly one step away from agreeing to become Real Madrid’s next head coach, with talks expected shortly to inform Bayer Leverkusen of his decision.
Alonso is lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is finalizing a move to become Brazil’s new head coach at the end of the current season.
