• Xabi Alonso is poised to become the next manager of Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
• The appointment comes after Alonso's successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen.
• Ancelotti's departure is linked to his interest in managing the Brazil national team.
• The change is set to take effect before the Club World Cup, starting June 14.
• Ancelotti will likely receive a farewell during the last home match on May 25.

Xabi Alonso, the former midfielder for Real Madrid, is set to become the club's next manager on a three-year deal. He is expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who is being considered for the vacant Brazil manager position ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Despite having a year left on his contract, Ancelotti's unsatisfactory season and his aspirations to coach Brazil have led to a mutual agreement to part ways, as reported by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Alonso, who parted ways with Bayer Leverkusen after a successful campaign that included winning the Bundesliga title, is aiming to join Real Madrid before the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States, set for June 14 to July 14. Reports indicate that findings from media sources suggest that Alonso's agreement to leave Leverkusen was established months ago, making him an ideal candidate for the managerial role at Real according to Al Jazeera and BBC.

Current manager Carlo Ancelotti, the club's most successful manager with 15 trophies, has faced a challenging season, notably after Real's 4-3 loss to Barcelona in 'El Clasico'. Ancelotti's return to Real Madrid in June 2021 had seen the team achieve notable victories, including two Champions League and La Liga doubles. However, the latest season has seen them knocked out of the Champions League and lagging seven points behind Barcelona in the league, which has fueled discussions about his departure, detailed by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

With the potential announcement regarding management changes expected soon, it is anticipated that Ancelotti will be honored during Real’s last home game against Real Sociedad on May 25. This farewell is in recognition of his four successful years with the club, as noted by Al Jazeera and BBC.