Sports
Xabi Alonso to Take Charge of Real Madrid: Early Arrival for Club World Cup Showdown

Xabi Alonso is expected to travel to Madrid on June 1 to begin preparations for Real Madrid’s first match of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June 18 against Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in Miami.
The former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain midfielder recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, signaling the next chapter in his managerial career. Though Alonso had not initially planned to join Real Madrid this early, discussions held last week prompted the club to accelerate the timeline, deciding against appointing an interim coach before his arrival.
READ ALSO: Alonso To Leave Leverkusen At End Of The Season
Current manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to receive a fitting send-off, likely during Real Madrid’s final home game of the season against Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu on May 25. Despite this, the club has yet to officially confirm Ancelotti’s departure or Alonso’s arrival.
Real Madrid’s title hopes in La Liga took a major hit after a 4-3 defeat to league leaders Barcelona, leaving them seven points behind with just three matches remaining.
The groundwork for Alonso’s move began months ago, when Real Madrid informed him he would be their choice if Ancelotti did not continue for the next season. By March, a verbal agreement had been reached, with negotiations shifting to final details in recent weeks. Although the precise timing of his appointment is yet to be finalized, Real Madrid has made it clear they want him to take charge in the United States, emphasizing the importance of the Club World Cup.
The Spanish giants are also reportedly eyeing Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a potential addition before the competition kicks off.
Alonso’s departure from Leverkusen is facilitated by a gentlemen’s agreement that allows him to leave if one of his former clubs—Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid—came calling. Although Alonso has expressed ambitions of managing Liverpool at some point, the immediate call to the Bernabéu was too significant to turn down.
During his tenure at Leverkusen, Alonso led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a German Cup victory in his first full season as head coach. As a player, he represented Real Madrid from 2009 to 2014 after five years at Liverpool, finishing his career with a three-year spell at Bayern Munich before retiring in 2017.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s future appears destined for the Brazilian national team, with talks reportedly scheduled before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin in June. Ancelotti, who rejoined Real Madrid in 2021 for a second spell, has won the Champions League three times with the club. However, his side’s Champions League campaign this season ended in disappointment, failing to reach the semi-finals for only the third time in the last 12 years.
Football
Chelsea Unveil Bold 2025/26 Home Kit: A Fusion of Tradition and Modern Flair

Chelsea Football Club has officially launched their 2025/26 home kit, blending iconic heritage with contemporary design elements. The new Nike-manufactured jersey features the club’s traditional ‘Rush Blue’ base, accented with ‘Speed Red’ and white details, marking a vibrant evolution in the team’s aesthetic.
Design Highlights
A standout feature of the kit is the reimagined lion crest, presented with a striking red shadow, symbolizing strength and paying homage to the club’s rich history. This design choice reflects a return to the classic lion emblem, reminiscent of earlier eras.
The jersey also incorporates a subtle grunge graphic across the fabric, representing the gritty and resilient spirit of London. This pattern adds depth and texture, capturing the dynamic energy of the city’s culture.
Promotional Launch
To unveil the new kit, Chelsea released a creatively produced promotional video on social media. The video features midfielder Cole Palmer enjoying his favorite jam sandwich in a café while wearing the new shirt. Additionally, Madness frontman and Chelsea fan Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson makes a cameo as a taxi driver giving a lift to women’s team captain Millie Bright. The video’s soundtrack features Madness’ hit “Our House.” Other Chelsea stars, including Reece and Lauren James, also appear, enhancing the video’s charm with playful barbershop scenes.
Availability and Pricing
The 2025/26 home kit is now available for purchase. The match shirt is priced at £124.99, while the stadium version is available for £84.99. Fans can customize their shirts with personal names and numbers, embracing the club’s latest look.
With this launch, Chelsea continues to honor its storied past while embracing modern design, offering fans a kit that symbolizes both tradition and innovation.
Football
Real Madrid Secure Dean Huijsen in £50m Deal: Xabi Alonso’s First Major Signing

Real Madrid have finalized the signing of 20-year-old center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, agreeing to a £50 million deal that marks the first significant acquisition under incoming manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish international is currently undergoing a medical and is set to sign a five-year contract, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2030 .
A Long-Awaited Move
Huijsen’s journey to Real Madrid has been years in the making. Born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, he developed through the youth systems of Málaga and Juventus before making his senior debut with the Italian giants. After a loan spell at Roma, he joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2024, where his performances quickly garnered attention. Despite interest from top Premier League clubs and Bayern Munich, Huijsen prioritized a move to Madrid, a club he and his father have long admired .
Strategic Acquisition for Madrid
Real Madrid activated Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, a fee payable in three installments. The club views him as a cornerstone for their defensive line in the coming years, with comparisons drawn to Jude Bellingham’s impactful arrival. Huijsen’s decision to accept a lower salary than offered by other suitors underscores his commitment to joining Los Blancos .
Alonso’s Vision Materializes
Xabi Alonso, set to take over as Real Madrid’s manager, played a pivotal role in securing Huijsen’s signature. Alonso’s influence in the transfer market is already evident, and Huijsen’s addition aligns with his vision for a dynamic and robust defensive setup .
Looking Ahead
Huijsen is expected to join Real Madrid’s squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June, providing an early opportunity to integrate into the team. His arrival signifies a strategic move by Real Madrid to invest in young talent poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.
With this acquisition, Real Madrid not only strengthens their defense but also signals a commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
Football
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham: Emery’s Men Dominate to Keep UCL Dreams Alive

Aston Villa delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on May 16, 2025, significantly enhancing their prospects for Champions League qualification. Second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara secured the win, propelling Unai Emery’s side to fifth place in the Premier League standings, level on points with Chelsea but trailing on goal difference .
Tactical Mastery and Key Performances
Villa dominated possession with 69% and registered 18 shots, reflecting their control over the match . Ezri Konsa opened the scoring in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a well-rehearsed corner routine, while Boubacar Kamara doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Emiliano Martínez was pivotal in goal, making crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet.
Tottenham’s Struggles Continue
Tottenham’s domestic woes persisted, as they suffered their 21st league defeat of the season, marking their worst Premier League points total in history . Despite the return of captain Son Heung-min, Spurs managed only three shots and failed to pose a significant threat. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the team’s fatigue and loss of belief following Villa’s opening goal .
Implications for the Season’s Conclusion
With this victory, Aston Villa’s Champions League aspirations remain firmly within reach as they prepare to face Manchester United in their final match. Conversely, Tottenham’s focus shifts to the upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United, which presents their last opportunity to salvage a disappointing season.
In summary, Aston Villa’s disciplined performance and strategic execution have positioned them favorably for a top-five finish, while Tottenham must regroup ahead of their crucial European final.
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