GERMANY
Two European giants in for Xabi Alonso
The Spanish head coach has built a reputation in the game thanks to his spell at Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso’s impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen is not going unnoticed by anyone. The Toulouse-born coach is being linked with two European giants: Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Both clubs, for whom he also played, are interested in hiring him, knowing that he is currently the most sought-after coach on the continent.
Liverpool were the first to confirm that Jurgen Klopp will not be staying at Anfield beyond this season. After a glorious spell at the club, the German will leave the Reds, who are currently top of the Premier League table, still alive in both Cups (they play the Carabao final on Sunday) and also in the Europa League.
The man chosen to steer the ship on Merseyside is Xabi Alonso. It was at Anfield that he became a world-class player when he left Basque outfit Real Sociedad. He has a great affection for the English club and the former Spain international’s dream is to one day manage in the Premier League.
Bayern Munich
The latest to show an interest in the tactician has been Bayern. The Bavarian giants have announced that Thomas Tuchel will not remain at the club after 30 June. Xabi Alonso also played for Bayern, where he retired as a player and has a great relationship with Germany’s most successful club.
The fact that Xabi has chosen the Bundesliga to start his career at the highest level in Europe is to his advantage. If he wants to continue on that path, Bayern is the perfect destination.
In any case, anyone who wants to take Xabi Alonso will have to deal with his contractual situation at the moment. He is tied to Leverkusen until 2026, having renewed last summer, and it has not been made clear at any point that there is an exit clause that would allow him to leave for specific clubs, something that has been published on different occasions and that would include precisely Bayern and Liverpool, among others.
Xabi’s relationship with Bayer Leverkusen is strong, meaning that he could end up reaching an agreement with the German side if he receives an offer that can be of interest to all parties. His next destination is still up in the air. Munich or Liverpool. Two doors are wide open for him but for now, he is focused on guiding Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.