Real Madrid managerial target Xabi Alonso signs fresh two-year contract extension at Bayer Leverkusen... raising doubts as to whether he will be Carlo Ancelotti's successor in Spain

Real Madrid managerial target Xabi Alonso has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen after guiding the German club to the semi-finals of the Europa League, and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga last season.

The Spaniard, who had been touted as Carlo Ancelotti's successor at Madrid, signed a two-year contract extension with the 'Black and Reds' on Friday.

Ancelotti faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid once his deal runs out next year and has been heavily linked with a move to Brazil to become the new manager of the national team. 

Los Blancos are understood to be preparing for life without him and had shortlisted Alonso as a candidate to replace the Italian tactician. 

Alonso played for Madrid between 2009 to 2014 but may not be returning to the Santiago Bernabeu just yet.

Xabi Alonso (centre) has signed a new contract at Bayer Leverkusen, running until 2026

Alonso's original deal at Bayer, which he signed in October 2022, ran up until June 2024 but his new contract will see him through until at least June 2026.

Expressing his gratitude for the faith placed in him by Bayer's board, Alonso said: 'I'm very grateful for the confidence Bayer 04 have shown in me. The fact we are convinced of the same ideas and direction on the pitch, creates close affinity and confidence between the club management and myself.

'There is also a very good and relaxed working basis day-to-day. That too makes working with my staff and all Bayer 04 employees great fun. I see last season as a positive. But I want more, exactly as the club does. We are now working on that with ambition.'

Werner Wenning, chairman of the Bayer shareholders committee, sees Alonso's extension as 'an impressive sign for the club'. 

'Xabi Alonso stabilised the team in a difficult phase and put us back on track,' he said. 'Now we want to take the next steps in the development of our team with confidence, in unison and with the necessary focus.'

CEO Fernando Carro, added: 'The meticulous, analytical and self-assured approach from Xabi is really good for us as Bayer 04. 

'At the same time, he has an outstanding environment here with us and in the Bundesliga where he can further build his profile as a still young coach. 

'Both sides are very ambitious. the mutual commitment to each other also contains the clear target of achieving something for this club together.'

Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes then declared: 'Bringing in Xabi last October did attract a lot of approval but also scepticism at the same time. 

'We were in a difficult situation and saw in Xabi a world star but also an inexperienced coach who had not yet been in charge of a top team. 

'Nevertheless, I was convinced of his ability from the start and Xabi was convinced of the quality of our squad. 

'We overcame resistance together and created the best of all perspectives for Bayer 04. The current contract extension is an expression of great appreciation and mutual trust.'