Xabi Alonso is still Bayern’s favourite candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel. There have recently been reports that the Basque player has already decided in favour of a move to Munich in the event of a premature departure from Leverkusen. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano contradicts these reports.
Ever since it was announced that Thomas Tuchel and FC Bayern would go their separate ways after the end of the current season, numerous rumours have been swirling around the German record champions‘ search for a coach. According to consistent media reports, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is the absolute favourite of the Bayern bosses.
This was recently confirmed by Honorary President Uli Hoeneß. However, the 72-year-old explained that „it is not so easy“ to convince Alonso to make the switch. After all, there is strong competition for the Spaniard from Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool FC and Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, there is confidence at Säbener Straße: „They are confident that they will sign him. They are stepping on the gas. There have been talks, but no negotiations. It’s difficult to get him, but Bayern are confident,“ revealed Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Has Alonso already made up his mind?
According to Plettenberg, Bayern bosses‘ confidence is also based on the fact that Alonso has already decided against a move to Liverpool: „Our clear information is that if Xabi Alonso leaves Leverkusen this summer, he will move to Bayern and not to Liverpool,“ said the transfer insider.
His colleague Fabrizio Romano now contradicts this statement. According to Romano, Alonso’s future is still completely open. The former Bayern star’s „sole focus“ is on the current season.
At the beginning of the season, Alonso did examine „several options“ with a view to leaving Leverkusen. When the former world and European champion realised in winter what was possible with the Werkself this season, „the situation changed completely“. Since then, Alonso’s plans have been completely on ice.
It will therefore be difficult „to hear anything concrete in March or April“, Romano predicted, adding: „I’m sure that Liverpool and Bayern are enthusiastic about Alonso and want to present their projects to him, but it’s really too early to know what he will decide.“