Xabi Alonso 'Plans To Leave Bayer Leverkusen' At Season End, As Real Madrid and Bayern Munich A Likely Destination.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly set his sights on an exit from the club next summer, amid links with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Despite his contract ending in June 2026, the Spaniard's stay with the German club may be set to come to a close at the end of the current season, according to Eurosport ES.

Alonso who is arguably is the best rated young coach in Europe right now, led the Bay Arena outfit to a first Bundesliga title during his first full season as a manager, his team went unbeaten in the league last season, while securing a domestic double with the DFB-Pokal Cup.

His side only lost one game last season which was the UEFA Europa League final 3-0 defeat against Atalanta. 

Leverkusen have made a solid start to the current Bundesliga season, currently sitting in fourth place with 17 points in the league standings after 10 games played, and are nine points behind Bayern.

The German champions also suffered a humbling defeat on Alonso's return to Anfield last week, losing 4-0 away to Liverpool in the Champions League, where they are currently in 13th after four round of fixtures played, putting them in line for a playoff round place.

The 42-year-old in-demand coach opted to remain at Leverkusen this summer for a second full season, despite strong links to former club Liverpool, who were searching for a new manager following the exit of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield but the Reds eventually settled with Arne Slot.

Right now, suitors including European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are keeping an eye on developments.

Alonso could likely replace Carlo Ancelotti as Los Blancos manager with the Italian tactician reportedly on his way out next summer. 

Ancelotti led Madrid to the Champions League and La Liga double last season but has come under pressure this term with the team six points behind leaders, and arch-rivals, Barcelona, who also won the season’s first Clasico 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu last month.

Despite a new addition to the squad Kylian Mbappe who joined from PSG last summer, Madrid followed up that result with another poor performance, losing 3-1 at home to Milan in the Champions League.

It was their second defeat in the Champions League this season after a surprise 1-0 defeat at Lille.

During his playing career, Alonso represented Real Madrid between 2009 and 2014, making over 230 appearances.

Apart from Los Blancos, another possible destination for Alonso could be replacing Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich if the Belgian is unable to bring results this season.

The Bundesliga leaders were interested in Alonso in the summer but, having been rejected, took the surprise decision to appoint Kompany, who had just suffered relegation from the Premier League with Burnley.

Real Sociedad where Alonso started his playing career could reportedly be another likely destination for Alonso, although he is not keen on the move, per the report.

Alonso's Leverkusen return to Bundesliga action on November 23 at home to Heidenheim, before hosting Red Bull Salzburg in their next Champions League match three days later.