Xabi Alonso has received widespread praise for his work at Bayer Leverkusen so far and new rumors point to a possible reunion with Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 if there is mutual interest from Liverpool, according to a report.
It has been claimed that the 41-year-old could join former clubs Real Madrid or Bayern Munich at this stage if they express interest in the midfielder-turned-manager.
Alonso is enjoying his time in North Rhine-Westphalia as his side look to challenge for the title against Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen are one point ahead at the top, Bayern are two points behind.
After leading his men from a precarious position to European places in his first season, the former Liverpool midfielder is increasingly being linked with various positions on the continent.
With Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu uncertain due to his links to the Brazil job, Alonso is being touted as a possible replacement for the successful Italian.
According to SportBILD via Focus, Alonso has a clause in his contract that could pave the way for a return to one of his three former clubs.
It has been reported that there is an agreement for Real, Bayern or Liverpool to move on from the Spaniard for his services.
The reported development comes against the backdrop of Alonso extending his contract at the BayArena by three years in August and his contract with the club remaining until 2026.
“I am very grateful for the trust that Bayer 04 has shown in me,” Alonso said of his new contract with the Werkself.
“The fact that we are convinced of the same ideas and directions on the pitch creates a close affinity and trust between me and the club management.
“There is also a very good and relaxed working basis in daily practice. This also makes working with my staff and all the employees of Bayer 04 very pleasant.
I consider the last season positive. But I want more, just like the club”. .” . Now we will work on this with ambition.”
Exclusive: Liverpool considered three transfer targets for centre-back, experts say
Liverpool are likely to look to sign a new centre-back in 2024, with three players already under scrutiny, according to LFC writer Neil Jones in his exclusive Daily Briefing column
The Reds have reportedly taken a look at Portuguese duo Antonio Silva and Goncalo Inacio as well as Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
However, it is unclear whether the move for any of these players will take place in January or next summer.
Liverpool are currently struggling defensively as Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip appear to be past their prime, so there is certainly room for top young players like Silva, Inacio or Hincapie.
It remains to be seen who the Merseyside giants will prioritize in this position, while Jones also noted that all three of these clubs could be in the title race this season and therefore do not want to lose any key players midway through the season.
“I think it’s clear that centre-back is an area that Liverpool need to consider in 2024,” Jones said.
“Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie have been considered by Liverpool, as has Benfica’s Antonio Silva, but any decision in January would, in my opinion, depend on two factors.
“Firstly it is a question of whether Liverpool’s current centre-backs are fit (at the moment they are) and secondly it is a question of whether these players are available and affordable mid-season. “
“Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Benfica all plan to challenge for the league title. So remember that it won’t be easy to sign key players in January.
Next summer would be more likely, unless circumstances change. »
