Three clubs that could be interested in Xabi Alonso next season

After winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen last season, it looks as if Xabi Alonso’s time with Die Werkself will come to an end. The Spaniard, who completed an unbeaten season in Germany, ended Bayern Munich’s meritocracy to the surprise of football bet odds alongside the DFB Pokal, but is set to leave the BayArena at the end of the campaign.

Alonso is one of the most sought-after managers in the world, having ended Leverkusen’s long wait for silverware, while developing his reputation as one of the most astute tacticians in the modern game.

Having worked with the likes of Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola over a storied playing career that saw him win two Champions League titles and lift countless domestic trophies, Alonso was always going to succeed in the dugout, but it looks as if his future lies away from North Rhine-Westphalia.

The manager’s current contract with the Bundesliga champions runs out in summer 2026, however reports from Spain and across Europe indicate that he will in fact depart a year earlier. In this article, we take a look at three clubs that could be interested in Alonso’s signature. Read on to find out more.

Manchester City

Despite being heavily linked to former side Liverpool before Arne Slot was announced as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, the Premier League could still be on the horizon for Alonso in the form of Manchester City.

Guardiola, who signed a two-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, has still struggled for form since Rodri’s injury, losing key ground in the title race as City pursue a fifth consecutive league title.

The Catalonian could still leave City if he feels he has taken the side as far as it can go, with Alonso a suitable replacement in terms of personality and playing style.

Real Madrid

The obvious move for Alonso appears to be a reunion with Real Madrid – Carlo Ancelotti enduring a torrid time with injuries in charge of the European champions.

Los Blancos have fallen victim to their busy schedule, losing David Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal for large portions of the season due to injuries, and that has allowed Barcelona to gain ascendancy in the La Liga title race under Hansi Flick.

Ancelotti is in his second stint as Madrid manager, but Alonso could induce fresh blood and momentum for a Madrid side that is in grave danger of finishing the campaign without a trophy. Having spent five years in the Spanish capital, La Barba Roja would be a popular figure.

Bayern Munich

While Vincent Kompany has made a respectable start to life at Bayern, the Bavarians would love to prise the best manager in the league away from their rival, with Alonso’s philosophy aligning with the project in motion at the Allianz Arena.

It would be something of a kick in the teeth for his current club, but Bayern’s pull in German football knows no bounds, with the likes of Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka, Mario Götze, Robert Lewandowski and Hiroki Ito all coming from Bundesliga rivals like Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Alonso, but if he is keen to remain in Germany while competing for European silverware, then a return to Bayern could be his best bet.