As Barcelona continue their search for a new manager to replace Xavi Hernandez at the end of the season, several names have been touted as potential candidates, including Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
While the names of Hansi Flick, Roberto De Zerbi, and Luis Enrique seem to be the most linked, Alonso is also a manager that Barça like, despite his past allegiances with Real Madrid.
After all, the 42-year-old is working wonders with Bayer Leverkusen and appears set to end Bayern Munich’s hegemony in the Bundesliga this season.
Plenty of suitors for Xabi Alonso
However, along with Barcelona, Xabi Alonso also has a number of other suitors, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Real Madrid were linked with the Spanish tactician before they renewed the contract of Carlo Ancelotti. Meanwhile, another of his former clubs, Bayern Munich are also keen on Alonso as they look for a technical manager to replace Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.
Liverpool, another of Alonso’s former clubs, also want him as manager as Jurgen Klopp is on his way out of the club at the end of the season.
Alonso has a release clause
Luring Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen will not be an easy task for he signed a new contract with the Bundesliga leaders last year, committing himself to the club until 2026.
Now, the aforementioned report claims that as part of the renewal, Leverkusen inserted a €23 million release clause in his new contract, which clubs would have to trigger to acquire his services this summer.
That is a major issue for Barcelona, given their financial problems. They are reportedly unwilling to pay De Zerbi’s €15 million buyout clause, so one can assume that paying Alonso’s higher release clause amount would be out of the question.
Bayern Munich, though, might be willing to meet that valuation, having previously shelled out €25 million to get Julian Nagelsmann from RB Leipzig.
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