Barcelona will reportedly compete with Liverpool for the signature of 42-year-old Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
According to a report by SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Xabi Alonso is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the managerial market for a replacement for Xavi Hernandez. And they have set their sights on the 42-year-old Bayer Leverkusen boss, a target for Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso has taken no time to see his stock skyrocket in the managerial market. The Spaniard is still a rookie but has become one of the most highly sought-after coaches in the world. A legendary midfielder as a footballer, he had all-time great stints with high-profile clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
The 42-year-old called time on his career in 2017 and took little time to enter the managerial world. His first project came with Real Sociedad’s reserve side before Bayer Leverkusen came calling in 2022. Alonso has not looked back since then, going from strength to strength at the Bundesliga club.
Such has been the Spanish tactician’s impact at Bayer Leverkusen that they are the runaway leaders in the Bundesliga this season and comfortably beat reigning champions Bayern Munich 3-0 this past weekend. So, it is hardly surprising that Xabi Alonso has become a hot property in the market, with several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Liverpool, keen on landing him.
Barcelona’s interest in Alonso is understandable, with Xavi Hernandez set to leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season. So, the reigning La Liga champions are scouring the managerial market for a replacement, with Hansi Flick emerging as Joan Laporta’s top target. But Alonso is also an option worth considering.
As for Liverpool, the Reds have had Xabi Alonso on their radar for a long time.
