Is Xabi Alonso leaving?! Bayer Leverkusen eye two replacements for successful coach as they fear Real Madrid or Man City will snap him up

Alonso joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 and the Spanish coach was the architect behind an unprecedented Bundesliga title, but the success has opened doors for him and forces the pharmaceutical club's management to consider alternatives. Manchester City and Real Madrid have listed the former midfielder as a potential managerial successor to Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, respectively.

Leverkusen have shortlisted two potential candidates to take over from Alonso if the Spaniard leaves the club. As per Sky, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness and the German national team assistant coach Sandro Wagner are among the candidates. However, both coaches are contracted to their current jobs until 2027 and 2026, respectively.

Alonso signed a new deal last season with Leverkusen that tied him to the club until the summer of 2026 and he rejected an approach from Bayern Munich as they looked for a replacement for Thomas Tuchel.

The German club are currently looking to defend their Bundesliga title and are currently placed fourth in the standings, three points behind Bayern. They will now take on Werder Bremen on Saturday, October 26.