Real Madrid is actively pursuing Xabi Alonso to take over as their new manager in time for the upcoming Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 18 in Miami. Sources indicate that the plan is for Alonso to arrive in Madrid by June 1 to prepare the team for their opening match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. This timing aligns with the departure of current manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to leave his position at the end of the season to coach the Brazil national team.

Alonso has recently announced he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current campaign, although it was initially not his intention to join Real Madrid so soon. Discussions between Alonso and Real Madrid have been ongoing for several months, with the club expressing their desire to avoid employing an interim manager before Alonso officially takes charge. They see the Club World Cup as a significant competition and want Alonso to lead the team from the start.

Ancelotti will be honored during Real Madrid's final home game of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25. The Italian manager has had a successful tenure at the club, winning three Champions League titles, but this season's disappointment, including an early exit from the Champions League quarter-finals, has prompted the club to make a change.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain midfielder, previously led Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title and the German Cup, achieving an impressive unbeaten run in the league. His experience as a player at the highest levels of European football, coupled with his recent managerial successes, positions him as a strong candidate to revive Real Madrid's fortunes.

In addition to Alonso's appointment, Real Madrid is also hoping to secure the signing of Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold before the start of the Club World Cup. With Alonso's arrival and potential new signings, Madrid aims to strengthen their squad and make a significant impact in the tournament.