Xabi Alonso's first two signings as Real Madrid manager 'confirmed' as club accepts his transfer requests

Real Madrid have accepted Xabi Alonso's first two transfer requests ahead of his first summer transfer window in charge at the Bernabeu.

It was officially announced on Monday that Carlo Ancelotti would be leaving his post on the touchline to join the Brazilian national team.

Ancelotti rejoined Madrid back in 2021 from Premier League side Everton and has won two Champions League titles and two La Liga titles since his return.

While an official announcement is yet to come, it has been widely reported that the Italian will be replaced by Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, with the Spaniard confirming he will be leaving the German club after three seasons.

"We lived a lot of special moments and it was a mixed feeling in the last home game. We are thankful for what we achieved in the past three years," Alonso told the press after Sunday's defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

"I have changed a lot in these years. We had many experiences. Luckily, most of them good ones, today maybe not but I will forget this one quickly. What I lived here in Leverkusen has been very special."

Despite Alonso still having one more Bundesliga outing to navigate, his attention is already very much on his future employer with the former Madrid midfielder expected to take over before the Club World Cup.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Alonso has already named his priority positions this summer after the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer.

Romano wrote on X: "Real Madrid have decided to try bring in a new centre back this summer, clear indication from Xabi Alonso accepted by the management.

"The club also keeps looking for a new left-back as part of the transfer strategy," he added.

Lamine Yamal and Fran Garcia (credit: Getty)

This comes following the long-term injury to star defender Antonio Rüdiger who was forced to have knee surgery following Madrid's Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.

Left-back has also been a problem position for Madrid, with Fran Garcia having a tough time against Lamine Yamal in Sunday's El Clasico.