There’s ongoing speculation about Xabi Alonso’s next managerial destination after this summer, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich both in the conversation.
The retired Spanish international, who has been in charge at Bayer Leverkusen since 2022, is currently one of the most sought-after figures in football management.
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This season, Alonso has guided the North Rhine-Westphalian team to the top of the Bundesliga, positioning them to potentially secure their first-ever German top-flight title.
After 26 games into the Bundesliga season, the 42-year-old’s team maintains an unbeaten record with 22 wins and four draws, leading Bayern Munich by an impressive 10 points.
As Leverkusen aims to clinch their inaugural Bundesliga title, it’s unsurprising to see Alonso’s name associated with some of European football’s top managerial positions, notably the clubs he once played for.
Liverpool is currently in search of a new manager following the confirmation of Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield at the end of this season.
Similarly, Bayern Munich is also on the hunt for a new head coach in the summer, as Thomas Tuchel is set to leave the Allianz Arena after the current campaign.
Alonso, who played 210 matches for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, achieving success in the Champions League and FA Cup under Rafa Benitez, before joining Real Madrid.
The World Cup champion concluded his playing career with a three-season spell at Bayern under Pep Guardiola, making 117 appearances for the Bavarian outfit and securing three Bundesliga titles during his tenure.
According to reports in Germany, it seems Alonso would prioritize a move to Bayern over Liverpool if he departs Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, has already acknowledged that his club, along with Liverpool and Real Madrid, are actively pursuing Alonso. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg suggests that Bayern is Alonso’s preferred choice.
He said: “Our clear information is if he leaves Leverkusen this summer, he will join Bayern Munich and not Liverpool.”
If that’s the case, it would be a huge blow to the Reds and particularly the fans who had hoped to see Alonso return to Anfield as Klopp’s successor.
