Xabi Alonso ‘to LEAVE Bayer Leverkusen at end of season’ with ex-Liverpool star’s next club ‘clear’
XABI ALONSO will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Spaniard has been attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
He led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever, going unbeaten in all 34 games.
Alonso also reached the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, and soon after he was linked to the vacant job at Liverpool.
He ruled himself out of the running for that role but he is now set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season, report Eurosport Spain.
Alonso, 42, is under contract until 2026 but could fancy a different challenge.
Another former club Real Madrid has been mooted as a potential option, but Carlo Ancelotti also has a deal until 2026.
Alonso was asked why he turned down Liverpool and was cagey when discussing his future earlier this month.
He said: “At that time I was focused, I had a big thing with the players and we were really focused on that.
“Let’s talk about the game tomorrow, it’s more interesting than my future.”
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One job that could be available in the summer is Manchester City, and the club reportedly like the look of Alonso as a successor to Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Reports have claimed Leverkusen have begun their search for a new successor with Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner being considered.