Xabi Alonso awaiting the final call from Real Madrid as Perez plays chess with Ancelotti | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is far from secure and a potential defeat to Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final could expedite his exit.

Behind the scenes, the club have already moved quietly to line up his replacement, Xabi Alonso. Despite Ancelotti’s contract running until June 2026, Real Madrid anticipate that a fourth season under the Italian could wear thin, as it did during his previous spell.

Earlier reports indicated that Real Madrid had reached a pre-agreement with Alonso. The Bayer Leverkusen coach is seen as the natural successor to Ancelotti following his success in Germany.

Details of Real Madrid’s agreement with Alonso

The deal was designed to ensure that, should Madrid call, Alonso would be free to move — and Leverkusen agreed not to block a return to the Spanish capital, reports Diario SPORT.

As per the report, Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen includes an exit clause worth around €12 million, a figure that Madrid believe could be negotiated down.

Xabi Alonso may soon receive the call from Real Madrid (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The understanding is that this clause would be triggered if Florentino Pérez decides to move on from Ancelotti, who remains coy as ever and does not want to take the first step.

Alonso, for his part, has already rejected advances from the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool. He is determined to rejoin his former club.

The onus is now on Real Madrid president Perez and when he axes Ancelotti, whose continuation beyond this season would be considered a footballing miracle.

The timing becomes important especially given the fact that Leverkusen must find an able replacement for Alonso. The Spaniard himself has helped the German outfit scout a few options, with Sebastian Hoeness and Sandro Wagner emerging as top candidates.