Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly making plans for life after Xabi Alonso with the young manager expected to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs next summer.
The 42-year-old head coach was widely tipped to move on last summer after guiding the German outfit to a Bundesliga and cup double.
Leverkusen lost just one match last season, a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Uefa Europa League final in Dublin, a stunning achievement in the manager’s second year in charge.
Alonso was linked with vacancies at former club Liverpool and Barcelona, but chose to remain in the North Rhine-Westphalia city.
Read – The games that defined Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title success
That was a major boost for Leverkusen, but the club think this will be the manager’s last season at the helm and are “preparing” for his departure, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
It’s claimed that Alonso is a “candidate” to take over at either Real Madrid or Manchester City as Pep Guardiola enters the final year of his contract.
Liverpool are said to be “out of the race” for the highly-rated coach as they are “very happy” with Jurgen Klopp’ successor, Arne Slot.
Last year Carlo Ancelotti, who has guided Real to three Champions Leagues, extended his contract with the Spanish club until 2026.
Alonso’s contract also runs until 2026, but Leverkusen are already looking at potential successors, with Sebastian Hoeness and Sandro Wagner “being considered”.
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