Former Liverpool Star Interviewed as Potential Replacement for Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen Eye Ex-Liverpool Defender as Xabi Alonso Replacement

As Bayer Leverkusen prepare for life after Xabi Alonso, the Bundesliga club are wasting no time identifying successors—with one notable candidate being a familiar face at Anfield.

The managerial merry-go-round looks set to spin once more this summer, with Alonso tipped for a high-profile move to Real Madrid. Having guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title and orchestrated one of the most tactically astute sides in Europe this season, the 42-year-old is widely viewed as the ideal successor to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian’s tenure at the Bernabeu has hit a wall, with the club expected to go trophyless and Ancelotti himself reportedly edging closer to taking charge of Brazil.

Alonso’s departure, while not yet confirmed, has been anticipated. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro shed light on a pre-existing understanding between the coach and the club, stating:

“From the moment we signed Xabi, we knew he was going to be a great coach, and from the moment you sign one, you have to prepare others… We have a gentleman’s agreement, and if a team he’s played for comes along, we can sit down.”

Photo: IMAGO

This clause has become crucial, especially with Real Madrid circling. With Alonso’s future looking increasingly set in Madrid, Leverkusen have already started weighing their options.

Alvaro Arbeloa Emerges as Serious Candidate

Among the shortlisted names is former Liverpool and Spain right-back Alvaro Arbeloa. While his playing days saw him collect silverware across England and Spain, it’s his coaching credentials that have caught Leverkusen’s attention.

Arbeloa, who amassed 92 appearances during his three-year stint at Liverpool, has quietly developed his managerial craft within the Real Madrid youth system. Most recently, he guided Real Madrid Juvenil A to the 2024–25 La Liga Juvenil title—the club’s first since 2019–20. That success is not an isolated achievement. His youth side has also clinched multiple UEFA Youth League titles and won the Copa del Rey Juvenil in 2021, showcasing a strong tactical identity and cohesion.

According to reports from WerkselfXtra, journalist Florian Plettenberg confirms that talks have already taken place between Bayer Leverkusen and Arbeloa over the managerial post. The club is reportedly impressed by the Spaniard’s blend of tactical discipline and motivational acumen—qualities that mirror Alonso’s own rise from a former Liverpool star to one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.

Competition from Ten Hag and Fabregas

Arbeloa is not the only name on the list. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Como head coach Cesc Fabregas have also been linked to the soon-to-be-vacant Leverkusen job. Ten Hag, despite a mixed spell at Old Trafford, remains respected in European circles for his time at Ajax, while Fabregas has quietly been cutting his teeth in Italy with an ambitious Como side.

But it is the connection to Liverpool and the Real Madrid system that seems to place Arbeloa in a particularly strong position. Leverkusen, having benefitted from Alonso’s development within the Madrid coaching pyramid, may view Arbeloa as the natural next step.

Liverpool Influence in Leverkusen’s Next Chapter

There’s a certain symmetry in Leverkusen’s approach. Just as Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, arrived with pedigree and promise, Arbeloa brings a similarly intriguing mix of playing experience and modern coaching philosophy.

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will watch with interest. Arbeloa’s potential rise mirrors that of other former Reds moving into coaching prominence. With Arne Slot now steering the ship at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, the sight of former Liverpool players excelling in top managerial posts across Europe only reinforces the club’s legacy beyond the pitch.