Xabi Alonso: Europe’s Most Wanted.

Where will the Spaniard end up this summer?

Ciaran Myers
18th March 2024
Image Credit: Football.ua, Wikimedia Commons
Xabi Alonso’s heroics at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen has led to him being one of the most sought-after and exciting managers in the game.

The ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder took charge of the German club in December 2022, as they sat second from bottom in the Bundesliga after eight games. As it stands Leverkusen are 10 points clear of Bayern Munich and look set to end the Bavarian sides recent dominance of the competition, having won the last eleven titles.

With various big clubs around Europe in the hunt for a new boss, it seems inevitable that Alonso will move on in the summer. Leverkusen have previously stated that they will not stand in his way if one of Europe’s elites were to come knocking, so let’s take a look at where he might end up come summer.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a club that Alonso is already familiar with having made 143 appearances for the reds in his playing days. With Klopp stepping down, it is almost certain that the board will be eyeing up an already fan-favourite to replace him. This would no doubt be a popular decision amongst the Liverpool faithful, Alonso’s high pressing and ball dominant approach would suit the squad already in place at Anfield.

Having wing-backs that push high up the pitch is imperative to his system and with two of the best attacking full-backs in world football in Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso could be enticed by the opportunity to work with such a good squad of players. This seems as though it would be a great fit and there is no doubt Alonso will be high on the list as Klopp’s successor, it may soften the blow of the German’s departure and create a smooth transition into a new era.

Bayern Munich

Bayern have a long history of buying the league’s best players who have given them a challenge in previous seasons, think of almost any Borussia Dortmund player, but now they might bring in the manager who looks as though he is going to ruin their hegemony over the Bundesliga title.

Bayern are another of Alonso’s former clubs and are to be without a manager following Thomas Tuchel’s announcement that he will be leaving the club in the summer. The Bavarians will be looking for a manager to lead them to a league title, which Alonso certainly has the pedigree for. However, another objective will be to win the Champions League, a competition Alonso lacks experience in, this may mean Bayern will lead towards a more experienced manager. Despite this, it would not be unusual behaviour for them to poach the best manager in the league and maybe even bring a few of his players with him.

[Alonso] is from the Guardiola academy of managers

Barcelona

Barcelona are the left field choice in this list, Alonso made 158 appearances for their arch-rivals Real Madrid and his ties to the Madrid club may put him off the role. Nevertheless, Barcelona is another club who are in search of a manager after Xavi announced his decision to step down in January. Alonso may be enticed by the chance for a return to his native Spain and the opportunity to manage one of the biggest clubs in the world. Barca’s array of young talent will be another huge pull factor; Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal are some of the most exciting prospects in world football and any manager would relish the opportunity to work with them.

Although connections to such a huge rival may be an obstacle, I wouldn’t be surprised if Alonso ends up in the Barcelona dug out. He himself is from the Guardiola academy of managers and may follow in his master’s footsteps by taking charge of the Catalonian side.  

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