Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid imminent? Bayer Leverkusen chief confirms 'gentlemen's agreement' that could see Spaniard leave for former club as Carlo Ancelotti faces sacking

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Ancelotti is expected to leave Real this summer and accept the role as Brazil's new permanent manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With the intention of meeting the Italian coach, the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) had reportedly sent a representative to Madrid to watch the second leg of the club's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, as the reigning champions were knocked out of the competition.

With Ancelotti all set to depart Santiago Bernabeu, Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso is poised to return to his former club as their new head coach, and now the CEO of the German club has dropped a major hint over the Spanish coach's future.

Speaking to The Athletic, Leverkusen chief Carro said: "He has no exit clause, but we have a gentlemen's agreement. If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk about it and we will not put any obstacles in the way."

For now, Alonso remains focused on the reigning German champions and will be next seen on the sidelines in the club's Bundesliga fixture against Augsburg on April 26.