Real Madrid are expected to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu after a very disappointing 2024-25 campaign. An

Xabi Alonso is close to joining Real Madrid and the Spaniard has demanded three big signings to start his new tenure in Madrid.

On the latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, Ayo Akinwolere was joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss whether now is the right time for the 43-year-old to return to Madrid, and if he’s ready for the pressure that comes with managing one of the world’s biggest clubs. Watch the full discussion below.