Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League has reignited speculation about who will sit on the club’s bench next season, and all eyes are once again on Xabi Alonso.

The Bayer Leverkusen coach, who has just led his team to their first-ever Bundesliga title, is now the hottest managerial prospect in Europe. His name tops Real Madrid’s shortlist, and the timing couldn’t be more intense—Carlo Ancelotti’s departure now seems inevitable, with many expecting it to happen this summer.

In a press conference on Friday, Xabi Alonso finally addressed the swirling rumors. “It’s not a good time to talk about the future,” he told reporters, trying to shift focus away from speculation. However, the 2010 World Cup winner did not shut the door completely: “A change could happen this year or next, when my contract ends.”

Despite his efforts to downplay the situation, his statement added fuel to the fire. With a modest €10 million release clause and the full admiration of president Florentino Pérez, a return to Madrid—where Alonso once ruled the midfield—feels more and more plausible. For now, Alonso remains focused on finishing the season with Leverkusen, but even within his squad, players like Granit Xhaka acknowledge it’s only a matter of time before their coach moves on to a European giant.