Manchester City, Real Madrid On Alert After Reports of Xabi Alonso Leaving Bayer Leverkusen Next Season
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Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso
Bayern Munich were previously interested in roping in Xabi Alonso.
Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly started shortlisting the replacements for Xabi Alonso. The former Spanish midfielder took over the helm at Leverkusen in 2022. Under his guidance, the club secured the maiden Bundesliga title in their 120-year history last season. Thanks to the success, Alonso, reportedly, attracted interest from Liverpool earlier this summer but he chose to continue with the German outfit. It is now being reported that Leverkusen may see their coach depart at the end of the ongoing campaign. Alonso has, reportedly, appeared on the radar of two top European outfits– Manchester City and Real Madrid— as reported by Sky Germany.
Both clubs have achieved much success with their current managers. Manchester City are yet to sign a contract extension with Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona boss may part ways with Manchester City upon the expiry of his current deal at the end of this season. Guardiola, however, is yet to make the final decision about his future at the Premier League side.
Earlier this year, Xabi Alonso was asked if he would consider a move to the Premier League in future. In response, the Leverkusen boss said, as per Sportskeeda, “You never know… At the moment I have enough on my plate to think about, but I’m still young as a coach and for sure it’s a nice opportunity.”
Xabi Alonso added by saying, “My job at Bayer is not over. I want to help the club and help the players to develop, the board is great… it’s all fantastic here. I’m still [a] young coach but I think this is the best decision for my future. I took my time and I’m sure about that. I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans. I feel that this is the best way, to continue together.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid hope to continue with Carlo Ancelotti for one more season as per his current contract. It was earlier reported that the Italian manager might retire at the end of the 2023-24 season. He, however, had extended his stay in the Spanish capital by two years. Real Madrid had reportedly showed their interest in Alonso this summer.
Apart from Liverpool and Real Madrid, Bayern Munich were understood to be keen on signing Xabi Alonso following the departure of Thomas Tuchel. The Bundesliga giants eventually appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach this summer.
