- Alonso decided to stay at the German club this summer, despite the absence of the left wing
- His next move remains unclear, but he remained linked to Real Madrid
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Xabi Alonso will decide his future at Bayer Leverkusen in March, according to a report.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is one of the most highly regarded young coaches in football after an invincible season with the German side last season.
The Spanish legend’s current contract with the Bundesliga champions expires in the summer of 2026, but reports vary as to when he will actually leave the club after opting to stay on in the summer.
Alonso was heavily linked with both Liverpool and Real Madrid last season as a result of his great work with Leverkusen, who were denied an invincible campaign in all competitions by Atalanta in the Europa League final in a heartbreaking final game of the season.
But Alonso nevertheless remains highly regarded and is tipped to join one of the world’s biggest clubs in the near future. However, who that will be remains to be seen.
And according to the Spanish publication MarcaIt will be another few months before the former midfielder makes a decision on his future amid another busy season in his current role, with Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez insisting there have been no talks with Madrid.
Xabi Alonso will decide his future at Bayer Leverkusen in March, according to a report
Alonso is enjoying great success with the German champions in the country’s top flight
He remains linked to Real Madrid as a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti (photo)
After flying in the German top flight last season, Leverkusen currently sit in fourth place after ten games played so far.
They won just four of those games, drew five and saw their invincible attack fall away early in the season when they went down 3-2 to RB Leipzig in the second game of the season.
The club is also struggling in the Champions League, losing 4-0 to Liverpool last time and drawing with Brest on matchday three.
After turning down the chance to join Liverpool this summer to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield, Arne Slot took over and has made a great start to the season, with the Reds currently top of both the Premier League like the Champions League.
That narrowed down the number of clubs Alonso could potentially join in the future, with Manchester City also an option until Pep Guardiola reportedly agreed to a contract extension. However, that deal would expire no later than 2026.
Real Madrid are now the frontrunners to appoint Alonso in the future, with Carlo Ancelotti currently on board but now aged 65.
However, the Italian great’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu also expires in 2026, meaning it is unclear whether Alonso will indeed return to his former club. If he were to wait another year after this season, there could potentially be a seamless transition.
He has also been linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich – who have also reportedly turned down this summer – should things go wrong with current boss Vincent Kompany.