Germany
Surprise contender emerges as Xabi Alonso to choose his next destination
The Basque coach has earned enough credit to decide his future among several big European clubs.
Xabi Alonso has established himself as a prominent figure in the Bundesliga and across Europe, placing the decision about his future firmly in his own hands. Despite being under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2026, retaining him for another year appears challenging, as numerous clubs are eager to secure his services—just as they attempted last summer.
Having won the Bundesliga last season and finishing second this year, Xabi remains one of the most promising managers in Europe. His historic achievements and impressive performance in continental competitions have elevated him to the pantheon of elite young coaches.
Among his admirers are Real Madrid. A former player well-acquainted with the club and its president, Florentino Pérez, Alonso is a leading candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti when the Italian’s tenure—whether dictated by results or mutual agreement—comes to an end. The connection between Alonso and Real Madrid seems almost inevitable, a storyline of familiar faces waiting for the right moment to reunite.
Manchester City showed interest in Alonso
Bayern Munich are another strong contender. The club chose Vincent Kompany as their recent managerial appointment, yet their performances, though keeping them atop the Bundesliga, haven’t entirely ruled out Alonso as their preferred long-term option. Having played for Bayern, Alonso’s understanding of the club makes this link a natural one.
The same applies at Anfield. While Arne Slot has emerged as the current choice for Liverpool’s post-Jürgen Klopp era—leading the Premier League and Champions League this season—Alonso remains deeply connected to the Reds. Though circumstances might not favour a move today, the bond between Alonso and Liverpool endures, hinting at a possible reunion in the future.
Other options, though less concrete, persist. Manchester City showed interest in Alonso as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, but Guardiola’s contract extension has paused those plans. Similarly, clubs like PSG and other European giants continue to see Alonso as an aspirational yet challenging target.
One thing is clear: if Xabi Alonso decides to leave Leverkusen, it will only be for a massive opportunity. The question remains—where will he go next?
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