Xabi Alonso is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the 2024/25 season – and it could have a knock-on impact on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.
On Thursday, Eurosport ES claimed the Spaniard, alongside full-back Alex Grimaldo, will leave the Bundesliga side he led to a domestic double last term at the end of the season. Alonso was the front runner to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after the German announced he would be stepping down as Liverpool boss earlier
this year.
However, Alonso turned down the Reds in order to stay with Bayer Leverkusen for another season, leading Liverpool to pivot and appoint Arne Slot as their new boss. So far, that decision looks to be a superb one, with Slot and Liverpool having won 15 of their opening 17 games this term.
But, Alonso’s next move could have a major impact upon Liverpool depending on who he decides to join. The two frontrunners look to be Real Madrid, one of his former clubs, and Manchester City, while Bayern Munich has also been linked to the ex-Liverpool star.
This season, despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid look an unbalanced side unable to fit all of their stars into a cohesive team, something which could lead to them looking to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Alonso. Man City meanwhile could be set to see Pep Guardiola depart the Etihad at the end of the season, with the Spaniard out of contract.
Guardiola has not yet signed a new deal, with City reportedly having lined up Ruben Amorim, prior to him being installed as the new Manchester United boss, and Alonso as potential replacements. But should Guardiola sign a new one-year deal which has been mooted, and Alonso opts to join Real Madrid, then it could see the current Leverkusen boss impact upon the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold – who is also out of contract this summer.
