Will it be a world and European champion again?
These trainers could inherit Alonso in Leverkusen
10.05.2025 – 8:51 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The departure of Xabi Alonso from Leverkusen is a decided thing. His successor has not yet been determined. But there are some candidates.
Bayer Leverkusen is faced with a pioneering decision: After the announced farewell to coach Xabi Alonso, the club is looking for a successor at the end of the season. The Spaniard had led the “Werkelf” to the first German championship in club history in 2024 – the expectations of his successor are correspondingly high. Names are already circulating.
Erik Ten Hag is one of the most prominent candidates. The Dutchman has been without employment since October 2024 after he had to go to Manchester United. In addition, he also gained valuable international experiences Ajax Amsterdam-a clear plus for the 55-year-old.
However, the “kicker” reports that it is completely unclear whether the club and ten Hag could agree in financial terms. The Dutchman is used to high salaries in England. Maybe one of his compatriots may follow on Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen anyway.
For example, there would be CESC Fàbregas. The 38-year-old has managed to stay in the league with Como in Serie A. He has been in charge of the promoted team as head coach since last summer and is currently in a strong tenth place with the team.
The former world and European champion is said to have made a very good impression in conversations with Bayer. However, an obligation would be complicated: Fàbregas has no exit clause at Como. Leverkusen would have to negotiate with the Italian club. Internally, however, it is apparently seen in him similar development potential as at Alonso. And: In Leverkusen, like Alonso, Fàbregas could recommend itself for higher tasks.
Meanwhile, another Spaniard is traded with Xavi. The former coach of FC Barcelona has been without a club since summer 2024. His name brings shine with it, but the hurdles are not insignificant. The former midfield director had recently emphasized that he was particularly involved in the Premier League or with a national team. A move to Leverkusen would rather be a step back in career planning.
Sandro Wagner is less well known internationally less well -known, but is currently increasingly under discussion in Germany. The ex-professional is currently still a co-trainer at the DFB, but ends after the final four tournament in the Nations League as an assistant by Julian Nagelsmann.
Since Wagner has announced that it has been leaving the national team, his name has been often mentioned in terms of vacant coaching posts. Exciting: DFB sports director Rudi Völler is said to have positively emphasized Wagner to the club managers in Leverkusen.