Bayer 04 Leverkusen has four candidates on the list of successors for Xabi-Alonso

According to the report, there is an exit agreement in the 42-year-old's contract, which states that if a former club of Alonso, i.e. FC Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or FC Liverpool, knocks on Leverkusen's door and asks about the coach, the matter will be dealt with on Bayer's side.

Four candidates are already being discussed as possible successors. The report names Sebastian Hoeneß (VfB Stuttgart), Fabian Hürzeler (Brighton & Hoe Albion), Raúl (Real Madrid Castilla) and Kasper Hjulmand (unemployed).

Last spring, there was already speculation about Alonso's early departure from Leverkusen. However, the 42-year-old made it clear before the end of the previous season that he wanted to spend another year with the reigning German champions.

The team, which suffered only one competitive defeat in a total of 53 matches in 2023/24 – a 3-0 loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo – also remained largely together.