Xabi Alonso decides Bayer Leverkusen exit date as Man City offered dream scenario
Manchester City are known to be big admirers of Xabi Alonso, and it now seems as though the Spaniard could be leaving Bayer Leverkusen sooner than originally planned
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorXabi Alonso is said to have decided he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current campaign - placing Manchester City on red alert.
The highly coveted coach, 42, was courted by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid in the summer after leading Leverkusen to a maiden German title last term, but he snubbed overtures from elsewhere to lead his side in the Champions League.
Speculation over Alonso's future has continued to rumble on in the background, though, and it's widely been reported that he would be of interest to the Premier League champions should Pep Guardiola decide to call time on his trophy-laden spell at the helm.
And it's now been claimed that Alonso will seek pastures new in the summer of 2025 rather than staying on with the Bundesliga champions for another year.
That's according to a new report from Eurosport in Spain, who believe that Alonso's most likely destination is Madrid. It's said he will leave as a free agent despite the fact his contract runs until 2026 and has already told players when he will be off.
The report comes at a time where speculation over Carlo Ancelotti's future is rife. Scrutiny is growing on the Los Blancos chief with the club currently six points behind arch-rivals Barcelona in the La Liga standings.
Real were also on the end of a crushing defeat against Hansi Flick's side in their own backyard in the first Clasico of the season, with Barca running out convincing 4-0 winners.
While it's also detailed that Alonso could yet be targeted by another of his former clubs in Bayern Munich, Manchester City will also be watching the situation with interest.
Join the debate! Where do you think Alonso will be managing next season? Let us know here.
There is growing speculation that Guardiola could call time on his spell in charge of the champions, with his contract set to expire in the summer. Guardiola has been linked with a number of jobs in recent months, including the recently filled England position.
Speaking last month, Guardiola insisted he was in no rush to decide his future, saying: “I’m pretty sure the club had options when Txiki leaves and they have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it is going to happen and they are prepared so it’s not going to be a surprise.
“They know I have to – every sport director or whatever, that’s why I’m here for many years – I want to be convinced it’s what’s best for the club.
“I will not delay any action knowing that I’m creating a problem for the club. If I feel I’m a problem for the club right now I will take a decision as quick as possible. But I don’t have that feeling, they understand the reasons I have. That’s why Wolves is the priority.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.