Xabi Alonso has officially confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role as Bayer Leverkusen manager at the conclusion of the current season. His departure marks the end of a historic and transformative chapter for the German club, during which Alonso led them to their first-ever Bundesliga title, breaking long-standing barriers and redefining the team’s legacy.
In an emotional farewell press conference held on Friday, Alonso took time to thank the club’s leadership, coaching staff, players, and the dedicated fanbase for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He stated:
“Our success was the result of an outstanding team performance. The spirit, the commitment, and the professionalism of everyone involved made this possible. Bayer 04 is ready for the future. This positive trajectory will continue and I will follow it with interest.”
Though Alonso did not disclose details regarding his next managerial destination, numerous media outlets and reports strongly indicate that a move to Real Madrid is highly probable. The Spanish club, with whom Alonso shares a rich playing history, is reportedly preparing to part ways with current head coach Carlo Ancelotti following the upcoming El Clasico.
According to sources from Kicker, Real Madrid is willing to pay between €10 million to €15 million to trigger Alonso’s release clause from Leverkusen. This move is anticipated to be a significant managerial shift in the European football landscape.
Since taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, Alonso has revolutionized the team’s tactical structure and mentality. Under his leadership, the squad transitioned from a struggling side into a dominant force in German football. The notorious “Neverkusen” label, once a symbol of repeated near-misses and disappointments, was finally laid to rest as Alonso guided the team to an unbeaten league run.
Alonso’s departure is expected to usher in a period of transition at the BayArena, with both on-field adjustments and administrative restructuring on the horizon. The club is now actively searching for a suitable replacement to carry forward the momentum built under the Spaniard’s guidance.
One of the leading candidates to replace Alonso is former Spanish international and ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is currently managing Como in Italy. Fabregas has quickly made a name for himself in the coaching world and is seen as a fitting successor to Alonso’s philosophy and leadership style.
In addition to the managerial shift, attention is now also turning toward the future of Leverkusen’s star playmaker, Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old German international has drawn interest from top European clubs, including Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. His decision in the coming transfer window could significantly shape the direction of the team moving forward.
As Bayer Leverkusen prepare for a new era post-Al
onso, fans