Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso could arguably have walked into any job in football over the last 12 months had he so desired, but has stayed put at the BayArena so far. However speculation continues to grow that his next move is to Real Madrid.
Die Werkself are enjoying unprecedented success in the 21st century under Alonso, who has managed to break the Bayern Munich hegemony. Last summer he reportedly turned down approaches from both Bayern and Liverpool.
Real Madrid have earmarked Alonso as their next manager, but uncertainty remains over whether they will need one this season or next. Carlo Ancelotti, like Alonso, has a contract until 2026, but if he does not achieve success in either the Champions League or La Liga, he will likely be dismissed. The decision on the Italian, hinging on his success, obviously will not be taken until May or June though as a result.
Alonso, who reportedly has a clause in his deal that allows him to join Real Madrid, is set to make a decision before the end of the month on his future, explains The Daily Briefing. Leverkusen hope that he will decide to stay a further season, but are keen for a decision to be made as soon as possible in order to start their planning process for next season, with Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner alternative candidates.
This information has been backed up by BILD in Germany and they also note, in a report carried by MD, that Alonso has reportedly been looking for a new property in the Dusseldorf area.
It should be noted that Alonso has also been renovating a house in Madrid over the course of the last year. It appears as if he will have a choice to make between risking a departure at Leverkusen and having to wait a year to take over in Madrid, or potentially see someone else take over if he remains and Ancelotti leaves.
