Xabi Alonso has put an end to any speculation about his future by confirming that he will continue with Bayer Leverkusen beyond the 2023/24 season.
Alonso is on the brink of guiding Leverkusen to a potentially historic maiden Bundesliga title, with his team currently enjoying a commanding 10-point lead over defending champions Bayern Munich with eight games remaining.
Since his arrival at the BayArena in October 2022, his accomplishments have elevated him to one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.
Consequently, the Spaniard has been heavily linked with managerial positions at his former clubs Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Both clubs are undergoing transitions, with Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp set to depart at the end of the current season.
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Alonso stated: “We’ve had a lot of speculation regarding my future.
“We’ve had a lot of games, been pretty busy, pretty focused, and I wanted to use the international break and reflect and take a decision.
“Last week I had a very good meeting with Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro] and informed them of my decision to continue as coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
“It’s the right place for me to be, to develop as a coach. The fans showed great support this year.
“They have all the reasons to believe and dream we can have a great season.
“The players gave me so many reasons to keep believing in the team. My job is not over here.”
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi have now emerged as the top remaining contenders to replace Klopp at Anfield following Alonso’s decision.
Liverpool aim to narrow down the contenders in the upcoming weeks.
De Zerbi will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities on Sunday when his Brighton side faces Klopp’s team in the Premier League at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Amorim has garnered admiration for ending Sporting’s 19-year wait for the Portuguese championship title and securing three domestic cup victories, marking an impressive start to his coaching career.
According to the Daily Mail. Amorim is “the leading frontrunner to replace Klopp this season.”
“The 39-year-old is expected to be given an interview after he scored well on Liverpool’s data tests.”
It is believed that Sporting would demand a world-record fee in compensation and this will be around £25million if any club wanted to poach Amorim.
The prospective move for Ruben Amorim to Liverpool would surpass the previous record set by Julian Nagelsmann, who was also considered an option for the Reds.
Nagelsmann was enticed to Bavaria from RB Leipzig for a fee of £21.7 million.
Amorim still has two years left on his current contract in Lisbon. He has guided Sporting to one Portuguese league title and two League Cup honours, in addition to one with SC Braga.
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Xabi Alonso Set To Stay At Bayer Leverkusen For One More Season
- Sporting CP Boss Ruben Amorim Leading Candidate To Replace Jurgen Klopp After Xabi Alonso’s Decision
- Xabi Alonso Unlikely To Be On Liverpool’s Shortlist To Replace Jurgen Klopp
- Bayern Munich Chief Uli Hoeness Says Bringing Xabi Alonso To Club This Summer Is “Probably Impossible”