𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐝’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐫𝐚: 𝐗𝐚𝐛𝐢 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨 𝐈𝐧, 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐔𝐩 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬.

^{By Florence Simiyu.}

Real Madrid is set for a transformative summer as the club prepares to bid farewell to Carlo Ancelotti and usher in a new era under Xabi Alonso.

With Ancelotti confirmed as the next head coach of the Brazil national team, the Spanish giants are already in motion restructuring their squad and setting ambitious targets ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti’s historic appointment as Brazil’s first foreign manager marks a significant chapter in both his career and the national team’s future. He will officially take over at the end of May, following the La Liga season, and will lead the Seleção through the 2026 World Cup.

Real Madrid has already begun preparing for his departure, planning a farewell that acknowledges his achievements at the helm.To fill the void, Real Madrid has secured Xabi Alonso on a contract running through 2028.

Alonso’s arrival is a long-anticipated move, with the club viewing him as the ideal successor. Backed by the board, Alonso is expected to begin his tenure at the Club World Cup and has been given the green light to guide the team’s transfer strategy — starting with a push to reinforce the defense.

In line with Alonso’s vision, Madrid are seeking a new centre-back and left-back to ensure depth and balance in the backline. The club is focused on building a squad that can maintain its competitive dominance both in Spain and across Europe. The transfers will be crucial in shaping the team for upcoming challenges, including the global stage of the Club World Cup.Beyond Madrid, the transfer market is buzzing.

Manchester City is also refining its defense, eyeing Tino Livramento among right-back options as Kyle Walker’s departure looms. At the same time, Arsenal has made a move for Chelsea’s England U18 goalkeeper Freddy Bernal, only to see their £1.25 million bid rejected.

Chelsea remains committed to developing homegrown talent, resisting external interest as they look to secure their future.As the summer window heats up, Europe’s top clubs are in motion — none more so than Real Madrid, where a new chapter under Xabi Alonso promises change, ambition, and a fresh pursuit of footballing excellence.