Xabi Alonso emerges as Bayern Munich's top pick for managerial role in 2026

By SABC Sport
30th December 2023

Carlo Ancelotti's contract extension with Real Madrid until 2026 has sparked a potential summer transfer bombshell, with Xabi Alonso in the spotlight.

The former Spanish international, previously speculated to be a future coach for Real Madrid, might now find himself heading to Germany but not with Bayer Leverkusen, where he has earned acclaim as one of the top managers of the moment.

According to Estadio Deportivo, Alonso, who has led his team to an undefeated streak of 25 games, securing 22 victories, has been a standout figure since his arrival at BayArena last year. After clinching a commendable sixth position in the Bundesliga, he has propelled his team to the top spot this season, holding a four-point lead over Bayern Munich, albeit with an additional game played. Impressively, his squad is the only one to secure maximum points in both the Europa League group stage and the German Cup, progressing to the quarter-finals.

Having excelled as a player at Real Madrid, Alonso was a prime candidate for the managerial position, and his name also surfaced as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Rumours even linked him to Real Sociedad, should Imanol Alguacil seek new challenges.

However, recent reports from OK Diario suggest that Bayern Munich are set to secure Alonso's services for the upcoming season, eyeing him as the successor to Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel, who joined in March, successfully clinched the Bundesliga title, but Bayern Munich are reportedly drawn to Alonso's impressive results and attractive playing style, making him their preferred choice.

Earlier speculations hinted at a clause in Alonso's contract that would allow him to leave if Real Madrid, Liverpool, or Bayern came knocking. Yet, Bayer Leverkusen promptly dismissed such claims.

Negotiations now loom for Bayern Munich, tasked with securing Alonso, whose contract extends until 2025, and potentially compensating Tuchel, contracted until the same year. Considering their past willingness to pay ‚¬25 million for Julian Nagelsmann from RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich seem prepared to navigate these managerial moves seamlessly.