Xabi Alonso, the former Spanish international and a notable figure in club football, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, has entered a new phase in his coaching career that is raising eyebrows across Europe. Reports suggest that Alonso has a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” in place with Bayer Leverkusen, allowing him to depart the club should a managerial position arise at one of his previous teams, which includes prestigious clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool. This situation has set off a wave of speculation, particularly around potential managerial changes at these iconic clubs.
Alonso’s playing career at Real Madrid spanned five lucrative years from 2009 to 2014. His contributions to the team during that phase have not been forgotten, and many fans and pundits are eagerly anticipating the possibility of his return, especially as rumors swirl that Carlo Ancelotti could leave the Bernabeu this summer. Ancelotti’s future at Real has been a topic of discussion, and some fans see Alonso as an ideal successor, given his playing experience and growing reputation as a manager.
To address the speculations regarding Alonso’s future, Bayer Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, made an official statement on Monday. He reflected on the club’s position regarding potential coaching changes, emphasizing their commitment to professionalism and preparedness for every eventuality. “In a few weeks, we’ll know if there’s a coaching change at our clubs,” Carro stated, hinting at the uncertain nature of football management. He acknowledged that they were fully aware of Alonso’s potential as a head coach the moment they appointed him, highlighting the foresight that led to extending Alonso’s contract until 2026.
Carro confidently added, “By signing him until 2026, we had confidence he’d stay,” indicating that the club has made long-term plans with Alonso at the helm. Nevertheless, he also confirmed the existence of a gentleman’s agreement that would allow them to negotiate should an opportunity arise at one of Alonso’s former clubs, stating, “If a team he’s played for comes along, we can sit down.” Such transparency underscores the mutual respect between Alonso and Leverkusen, allowing for a seamless transition if needed.
Alonso’s influence at Leverkusen has already been significant. Last season, he led the team to achieve a domestic double in Germany and guided them to the finals of the UEFA Europa League. Under his stewardship, the club has been enjoying a solid season, and even though they are trailing leaders Bayern Munich, they are well-positioned to finish in the upper echelon of the Bundesliga standings. A recent 1-1 draw against St. Pauli saw them maintain a second-place position, demonstrating their consistency in a competitive league.
Notably, Alonso has also been linked to the managerial position at Liverpool in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure last year. However, the Reds opted for Dutchman Arne Slot, who has swiftly made his mark, steering Liverpool close to claiming the Premier League title in his debut season. Alonso’s previous connection to Liverpool adds another layer of intrigue to his coaching trajectory, as fans keep a keen eye on his career developments.
Overall, the evolving narrative surrounding Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen, and his potential returns to clubs where he made a significant impact as a player captures the essence of football—a sport characterized by its complexities and the deep connections forged over time. Football enthusiasts continue to watch closely, as any managerial movement involving Alonso could shake up not only his current club but also the landscape of European football as a whole.
