Sometimes, the worst-kept secrets in football are also the most exciting.

For months, fans of Real Madrid and Liverpool have followed the whispers.

The speculation grew louder as the season went on.

Everyone seemed to know what was coming.

Real Madrid release Xabi Alonso statement as Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool exit nears	Real Madrid makes Xabi Alonso announcement ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer	Xabi Alonso has already told Liverpool what they can expect from Florian Wirtz transfer

But still, they waited.

Because until it’s official, it’s not real.

Now, it’s real.

Real Madrid have made the move everyone expected.

And for Liverpool fans, it’s hard not to feel something.

Xabi Alonso was never just another midfielder.

He was elegance in red.

He was the calm in chaos.

Many Reds still wish he’d one day return to Anfield.

But another of his old clubs has called.

And he has answered.

Real Madrid have officially named Xabi Alonso as their new manager, confirming what many already believed.

The club announced that Alonso has signed a three-year deal, running from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.

The move comes after the exit of Carlo Ancelotti, who is taking over the Brazil national team.

Alonso steps in as the second senior manager role of his career.

His first was with Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in his first full season.

He also won the German Cup and German Super Cup during his time there.

Only a Europa League final loss to Atalanta kept him from a treble.

Alonso leaves Leverkusen a hero and returns to the club where he won six titles as a player.

Real Madrid confirmed the move in a statement, saying, “Real Madrid C.

confirms that Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from 1 June 2025,  until 30 June 2028.”

They added, “Xabi Alonso is a Real Madrid legend and one of the greatest players in world football history.”

“He made 236 appearances for our team between 2009 and 2014, winning six titles in that time: the tenth European Cup in Lisbon, 1 European Super Cup, 1 LaLiga title, 2 Copas del Rey and 1 Spanish Super Cup.”

The club also highlighted his coaching roots:

“Xabi Alonso began his coaching career in the Real Madrid academy set-up, taking charge of the Under-12s for the 2018-2019 campaign and winning the league and the Torneo de Campeones.”

“He now returns to Real Madrid as one of the greatest coaches in the world after making history at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the league, the cup and the German Super Cup over three seasons.”

He’ll be officially unveiled on Monday.

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