Despite statements to the contrary from sporting director Max Eberl, FC Bayern is apparently already holding talks with Xabi Alonso in the background in order to fill the vacant coaching position for the coming season.
According to Sky, those responsible at FC Bayern are trying to create clear facts in the background. Even if Max Eberl does not want to hear or admit anything about it publicly, talks with Xabi Alonso and his representatives have begun according to the report, even if negotiations have not yet materialised.
Eberl had denied talks with Alonso before the Mainz game on Saturday: „No, we haven’t spoken to anyone yet. We have orientated ourselves and looked around,“ he said.
Alonso alternative De Zerbi
Meanwhile, rumours persist that Alonso is not considering the Liverpool job, which would of course not diminish the German record champions‘ chances. However, the complicated situation of the Spaniard, who wants to wait and see how the current season develops at Leverkusen, is well known and will therefore virtually dictate the plans of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
According to Sky, FCB are therefore also looking at alternatives such as Roberto De Zerbi, who is said to have a serious chance of getting the job. In contrast to the transfer fee for Alonso, which is said to be between 20 and 25 million euros, the Italian could probably move to Munich for around ten million euros. The 44-year-old has been in charge at Brighton & Hove Albion since September 2022. His contract would still be valid until 2026.
Leverkusen are aware of Bayern’s talks with their head coach and the best news for Max Eberl and Co. so far, according to media reports, is that Xabi Alonso has not yet turned down the offer. We will have to be patient in this respect until clear facts are available. According to Sky, signing Alonso remains the top priority, while De Zerbi is seen more as an „experiment“ by the Bayern bosses.
