REVEALED: The release clause that could see Xabi Alonso replace Klopp at Liverpool
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 11 Oct 2023 20:18 BST
- 3 min read
Xabi Alonso reportedly has a clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen that would allow the Spaniard to return to Liverpool or his other former clubs as manager next summer.
The legendary midfielder is celebrating one year in charge of Leverkusen this month, having taken over in October last year with the club sitting second from bottom in the Bundesliga after eight games.
Alonso led Leverkusen to a sixth place finish and has the German side sitting top of the league this season while also playing an attacking brand of football, with his team scoring the joint-most amount of goals of any team in the Bundesliga.
The impressive start to his managerial career in the top flight has prompted speculation that he could be in line to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield whenever the German eventually leaves Liverpool.
DEEP READ: How Alonso is setting himself up as the new Jurgen Klopp
Klopp still has three years remaining on his contract and has shown no desire to leave but German outlet BILD state that Alonso has a release clause in his deal from next summer allowing him to join Liverpool, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid for an unspecified amount.
Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen also expires in 2026 but he brushed off any talk of leaving, insisting he still had plenty to achieve with the club and that his head was ‘100% here for next season.’
Which of Alonso’s former clubs could make a move for him?
Alonso is expected to be a top target for Liverpool when Klopp does leave but the Premier League side are hoping for their manager to celebrate a decade in charge by the time his contract expires in 2026.
Bayern, meanwhile, appear to be content with Thomas Tuchel despite reported tension with the board, having sacked previous manager Julian Nagelsmann due to the club’s affinity for the ex-Chelsea boss.
Everyone is just trying to keep up with Bayer Leverkusen this season! 🙌
What an incredible job Xabi Alonso is doing... pic.twitter.com/xNfrsr3rjf— 90min (@90min_Football) October 10, 2023
However, Real could pose a serious threat to Leverkusen, with Alonso thought to be the Spanish side’s top choice to replace Carlo Ancelotti when his contract expires next summer.
RESPONSE: Alonso opens up about Real Madrid interest
Ancelotti is believed to have a pre-contract agreement to take over as Brazil manager and Real see Alonso has his ideal replacement, having seen him play at the club for five years between 2009 and 2014.
