There has been much ado on the future of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso at the club with his contract expiring next season.
The Spaniard, who has done a brilliant job in his three seasons with the club, has been linked to a move away from the club at the end of the season.
Recall he penned down a new two-year contract with the club at the end of last season after leading the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Liverpool, including Bayern Munich, led the list of clubs who were interested in his services. Despite interests by the big-name clubs, Alonso turned down the proposals and opted to continue with the Die Werkself on fresh terms till 2026.
At the end of the current campaign, he will have a year left on his deal but has been strongly linked with a possible exit from the club.
Bayer Leverkusen ready for Xabi Alonso’s exit
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly preparing for Xabi Alonso’s exit in the summer.
According to Sky Sport, the world football’s most in-demand coach is expected to leave at the end of the current campaign after a hugely successful season with Bayer Leverkusen that saw them win the Bundesliga title unbeaten.
Prior to his contract renewal last season, Alonso was expected to replace former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp before former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot assumed the reins in the Reds’ dugout.
Bayern Munich’s offer was also on the table before former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany replaced now-England manager Thomas Tuchel on the role.
Manchester City and Real Madrid interested in Xabi Alonso
According to reports, Manchester City are interested in Alonso, with Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad still uncertain.
Guardiola is in the last lap of his contract with City and has yet to enter into renewal talks. Futballnews understands Manchester City hierarchy are open to keeping the 54-year-old on fresh terms but the he is hesitant to committing on the long-term with the club.
His last signed contract was a short-term, two-year deal, and he had hinted at leaving the club when it expires at the end of the season.
With Guardiola’s uncertain future at Etihad, City are said to be scouring for possible replacements should he decide to leave at the end of the season. Xabi Alonso has reportedly emerged as the club’s priority replacement option for the two-time treble winner.
Also, Real Madrid are interested in Alonso as a candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti has a contract with Los Blancos until 2026, and it is still unclear whether he will sign a new contract or not. Alonso played 236 times for the La Liga giants and was part of the side that won the Champions League in 2014
Bayer Leverkusen looking for replacement for Alonso
With Manchester City and Real Madrid lining up moves for Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly scouring for his replacement as well.
German outlets report that Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner among those being considered.
Meanwhile, sources close to Alonso have revealed he is focused on his job with the Bayer Leverkusen and is hopeful of defending the German Championship title.
The team came from behind to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in their last Bundesliga arch on Saturday, October 19, 2024, thanks to goals by Robert Andrich and Victor Boniface.
They will return to action in a midweek UEFA Champions League fixture against Brest on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, before traveling to take on Werder Bremen in their next Bundesliga clash on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
