Nigeria, May 12 -- The white smoke has risen from the Santiago Bernabeu - Real Madrid have struck gold again, this time not on the pitch, but on the sidelines. Xabi Alonso, the former midfield maestro who once pulled the strings for Los Blancos, is returning to the capital - this time as head coach.

Renowned football insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Alonso has signed on the dotted line to become the next manager of Real Madrid, with a deal in place to keep him at the helm until June 2028. The agreement, sealed and settled, marks the beginning of a new era for the Spanish giants.

The baton will soon be passed from the experienced hands of Carlo Ancelotti, whose final days in charge are being delicately managed. A special farewell i...