Bayer Leverkusen is gearing up for a significant transition as they prepare for life after Xabi Alonso, who is widely tipped for a high-profile move to Real Madrid. The Bundesliga club is not wasting any time in identifying potential successors, with a notable candidate emerging from their own connections to Liverpool.
Alonso, 42, has had a remarkable impact at Leverkusen, guiding the team to the Bundesliga title and establishing them as one of the most tactically astute sides in Europe this season. His success has made him a prime target for Real Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti's tenure has hit a wall, leaving the club facing the prospect of a trophyless season. Reports suggest that Ancelotti is also edging closer to taking charge of the Brazilian national team, further intensifying the speculation surrounding Alonso's future.
Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro recently shed light on a pre-existing understanding with Alonso, stating, "From the moment we signed Xabi, we knew he was going to be a great coach, and from the moment you sign one, you have to prepare others… We have a gentleman’s agreement, and if a team he’s played for comes along, we can sit down." This clause has become crucial as Real Madrid circles, and with Alonso's departure looking increasingly likely, Leverkusen has already begun weighing their options for a successor.
Among the candidates is former Liverpool and Spain right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa, who made 92 appearances during his three-year stint at Liverpool, has been quietly developing his managerial skills within the Real Madrid youth system. Most recently, he guided Real Madrid Juvenil A to the 2024–25 La Liga Juvenil title, the club’s first since the 2019–20 season. This success is not isolated; his youth side has also clinched multiple UEFA Youth League titles and won the Copa del Rey Juvenil in 2021, showcasing a strong tactical identity and cohesion.
According to reports from WerkselfXtra, journalist Florian Plettenberg confirms that talks have already taken place between Bayer Leverkusen and Arbeloa regarding the managerial position. The club is reportedly impressed by Arbeloa’s blend of tactical discipline and motivational acumen—qualities that mirror Alonso’s own rise from a former Liverpool star to one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
However, Arbeloa is not the only name on Leverkusen's shortlist. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Como head coach Cesc Fabregas have also been linked to the soon-to-be-vacant managerial role. Ten Hag, despite a mixed spell at Old Trafford, remains highly respected in European circles for his time at Ajax, while Fabregas has been making strides in Italy with an ambitious Como side.
What gives Arbeloa a particularly strong position in the race for the Leverkusen job is his connection to Liverpool and the Real Madrid system. Leverkusen, having benefitted from Alonso’s development within the Madrid coaching pyramid, may view Arbeloa as the natural next step in their managerial evolution.
There’s a certain symmetry in Leverkusen’s approach. Just as Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, arrived with pedigree and promise, Arbeloa brings a similarly intriguing mix of playing experience and modern coaching philosophy. Liverpool fans are likely to watch with keen interest, as Arbeloa’s potential rise mirrors that of other former Reds moving into coaching prominence.
With Arne Slot now steering the ship at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, the sight of former Liverpool players excelling in top managerial posts across Europe only reinforces the club’s legacy beyond the pitch. As the managerial merry-go-round spins, the development of these former stars will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
In conclusion, Bayer Leverkusen is at a pivotal moment as they prepare for the potential departure of Xabi Alonso. With several promising candidates in the mix, including Alvaro Arbeloa, Erik ten Hag, and Cesc Fabregas, the club has the opportunity to build on the foundations laid under Alonso's leadership. The next appointment will be crucial, not only for Leverkusen’s immediate future but also for maintaining their competitive edge in the Bundesliga and beyond.
