Xabi Alonso's rise: From rescuing Leverkusen to piquing the interest of football giants

Rob Fleming
20 November 2023

In the fast-paced world of football, where talents shine and managers make or break teams, one name has been steadily ascending - Xabi Alonso.

At Bayer Leverkusen, both he and the rising star Florian Wirtz have become the talk of the town.

Alonso's managerial prowess took centre stage when he inherited a struggling Leverkusen side last season, perched perilously at second-bottom. In a remarkable turnaround, he steered the ship to a European finish. Fast forward to this season, and Leverkusen are not just competing; they are dominating the Bundesliga, showcasing some of the finest football in Europe.

As rumours swirl around managerial vacancies at football giants like Real Madrid and Liverpool, Alonso's name is frequently mentioned in the speculations. Carlo Ancelotti's contract at Real Madrid expires next summer, and Liverpool face the inevitable question of Jurgen Klopp's succession. Reports have surfaced regarding the alleged release clause in Alonso's contract, fuelling the grapevine.

However, Leverkusen's CEO, Fernando Carro, has emphatically dismissed such claims. "No clause is needed. We have a very, very good relationship with Xabi, and he knows we are a serious club," Carro asserted. "Our objective is for him to stay because he wants to, not because he has to."

When questioned about the existence of a release clause, Carro clarified, "Nothing on paper, but sometimes agreements beyond paper are still agreements. If he needs to make a move in the future, we'll talk."

Alonso, known for his patience and strategic approach, remains focused on the task at hand. While other managers might hastily embrace opportunities at former clubs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid, Alonso appears confident in the timing of his career moves. He started at Real Madrid's youth ranks, later managing the B team at Real Sociedad before taking the helm at Leverkusen.

The football world watches as Alonso's managerial journey unfolds. Will he stay loyal to Leverkusen, or will the allure of managing one of his former clubs prove irresistible? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Xabi Alonso has not just elevated Leverkusen's status; he's etching his name among the managerial elite.