Reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen are considering Real Madrid Castilla manager Raul as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, should Alonso depart for Liverpool or Bayern Munich during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Under Alonso’s leadership, Leverkusen have had a remarkable season, currently sitting at the summit of the Bundesliga standings with a ten-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich.
Bayer Leverkusen Draw Up Shortlist for Xabi Alonso Replacement
Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak in league matches this season is remarkable, particularly when juxtaposed with Bayern Munich’s dominant run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles.
Alonso’s impressive coaching career has garnered attention across Europe, with speculation mounting that he could succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
While reports suggest Liverpool are Alonso’s preferred destination, conflicting rumours indicate his interest in Bayern Munich, stemming from concerns about emulating Klopp’s success.
According to Football365, Alonso has reached a “total agreement” to depart Leverkusen in the summer, prompting a tug-of-war between Liverpool and Bayern Munich for his services.
And German publication Bild (via Fichajes), now reports that Leverkusen are actively seeking alternatives to replace Alonso, as both Liverpool and Bayern have expressed interest in the former midfielder.
Raul, currently managing Real Madrid Castilla, has emerged as a potential candidate due to his Bundesliga experience at Schalke and proficiency in the German language.
Additionally, former Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness is being considered by Leverkusen, as they prepare for any potential changes to their coaching staff.
Bayern Munich’s Advantage Over Liverpool Revealed
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is adamant that Bayern Munich hold the edge over Liverpool in the pursuit of Alonso. Confirming the speculation circulating in Germany, Di Marzio told wettfreunde.net:
“I thought Liverpool were ahead of Bayern Munich (for Xabi Alonso) two or three weeks ago but now Bayern Munich are moving fast because they think he’s the perfect manager for the future.
“When Bayern Munich wants a coach, usually they get the coach because they’re a top club and I know they are pushing strongly. They have no issues paying the exit clauses as they did for Julian Nagelsmann.
“At this moment Munich are ahead of Liverpool and Xabi has a good relationship with [Uli] Hoeness and Hoeness decides what happens. They will do everything to get him.”
In other Liverpool news, Former Bayern Munich CEO Rummenigge Predicts Jurgen Klopp U-turn as the Liverpool Manager Considered “Dream Solution” for Role