Bayer Leverkusen are flying high in the Bundesliga this season, thanks to Xabi Alonso’s tactical nous and smart transfer deals. Leverkusen currently sits at the top of the Bundesliga table with 19 points, one point above Stuttgart and two above Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso’s style of play has caught the eyes of many teams, with reports linking him to several clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, three of the four European clubs he played for. On top of that, a new report suggests that the World Cup winner has a clause in his contract that grants him a move to any of these three clubs should an approach be made.
Alonso’s contract reportedly opens door for Liverpool move
Xavi Alonso played under some of the world’s best managers in his career, so it’s no surprise he turned out great himself. The midfielder was a key player for Pep Guardiola and Ancelotti at Bayern Munich and Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, learning all he could from those three tactical geniuses. He also played under Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, winning the Champions League with the Reds in 2005.
All these experiences have turned him into a great manager, as evidenced by what he’s doing at Bayer Leverkusen. His style of play at the club has caught the attention of many, and earlier reports suggested that he could be appointed the next Real Madrid manager once Carlo Ancelotti leaves his role at the club to join the Brazil national team next summer.
As reported by SportBible, there’s a secret clause in Xabi Alonso’s contract at Leverkusen that grants him the right to leave the club to join Liverpool if the Reds make an approach as early as next summer. Other reports also suggest that the club hugely appreciates the former Liverpool midfielder and that he may be the perfect candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield once his contract expires in 2026.
When did Xabi Alonso play for Liverpool?
Xabi Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2004. The deal was worth over $10 million as the Reds signed him to be a part of a new-generation midfield. The move worked out, as Alonso won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in his first season at the club. He became a mainstay in the team, forming a productive partnership with Steven Gerrard in Liverpool’s midfield.
Sadly, his relationship with Rafa Benitez soured several years down the line, and in the summer of 2009, he was sold to Real Madrid in a deal worth over $30 million. Steven Gerrard, who some weeks ago reacted to news of Mo Salah joining the Saudi Pro League, later revealed that he was devastated by Alonso’s decision to move to Real Madrid, and that may have been the reason for their poor start to the 2010/2011 season.
Will Xabi Alonso manage Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp? Or will he succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
