Real Madrid to hijack Alonso from Liverpool and Bayern

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Mar 2024 18:54 GMT
3 min read

Instead of leaving Bayer Leverkusen this year, Xabi Alonso could wait for the Real Madrid job to become available, according to a report.

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The former midfield maestro is the most in-demand coach in world football right now. Bayer 04 are on course to win their first-ever Bundesliga title and they could yet win a treble as they are also still in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal.

Alonso's tactical flexibility, his team's swashbuckling style of play and his familiar nonchalant demeanour have seen him win the hearts and minds of football fans this season. But it is not just supporters who are enamoured with him.

Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich view their ex-player as the number one option to replace their outgoing coaches, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel. Honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeneß confirmed earlier this week that the Bavarians are in talks with Alonso, but he also hinted at a potential involvement of Real Madrid in the saga.

"He has proven that he can be a coach for elite sides and that makes things very difficult because clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Leverkusen and also FC Bayern are working on it," Hoeneß said.

Real to hijack the deal?

It seems there was a good reason behind Hoeneß mentioning Real Madrid. According to BILD's Christian Falk, there is a very real scenario in which Alonso sees out his Leverkusen contract and then replaces Carlo Ancelotti in Spain's capital.

"Xabi Alonso remains silent about his future," Falk told CaughtOffside. "Fewer and fewer believe that it will be Liverpool FC. FC Bayern is also still waiting for a signal from Alonso. Leverkusen officials remain adamant that Alonso will continue to be their coach next season."

"There is now a rumour: Alonso is staying in Leverkusen to become Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Real Madrid. Ancelotti has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026. Alonso's contract in Leverkusen is valid for just as long. Alonso, who also only extended his contract in the summer, could remain loyal to his club - and then return to his home country of Spain."