Xabi Alonso is returning to Real Madrid to take over a club that failed to meet expectations this season. The Spanish powerhouse announced the hiring of Alonso on Sunday to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to take over the Brazil job. Alonso will take over on June 1 and will be given a contract through June 2028, the club said.

Jude Bellingham is set to be a crucial player for Xabi Alonso after the former Liverpool star left Bayer Leverkusen to take the hotseat at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti's successor