1 May 2025
Several media reports have indicated that Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are interested in appointing Dutchman Erik ten Hag or Spaniard Xavi Hernandez to replace Xabi Alonso.
Ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, appears to be the most likely candidate to take over at Leverkusen, despite being sacked by the Red Devils last October, according to German magazine Kicker on Wednesday.
However, Sky reported that Leverkusen has not held serious talks with the 55-year-old Dutch coach.
Conversely, other reports have suggested that Leverkusen is interested in former Barcelona coach Xavi, who, like Ten Hag, is currently unemployed.
Alonso, whose contract with Leverkusen runs until June 2026, has avoided making a clear commitment to the current German champions.
Media reports have speculated that there is an internal agreement between Alonso and Leverkusen that would allow the Spanish coach to move to a former club, such as Real Madrid, before the end of his current contract with the German team.
It is worth noting that Alonso has often been touted as a potential successor to Italian Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid coach.
