Hidden Liverpool Clause Uncovered in Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen Agreement

Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Bayer Leverkusen has been nothing short of remarkable, with his team topping the Bundesliga chart, securing 19 points from their first seven games. The new signing, Victor Boniface, has taken the league by storm, netting seven goals in seven matches, while the likes of Jonas Hofmann, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Jeremie Frimpong have consistently delivered outstanding performances.

Alonso’s distinctive style of play hasn’t gone unnoticed. Leverkusen boasts the highest pass accuracy in the league at 89%, according to WhoScored, and their average possession per match is eclipsed only by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Notably, Leverkusen ranks second only to Bayern in the number of shots on goal per match, averaging an impressive 17.6.

The team’s exceptional form has inevitably raised questions about Xabi Alonso’s future. As a Liverpool icon, Alonso played a pivotal role in the Reds’ 2005 Champions League triumph and is now being touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp when the time comes for the German manager to step down.

A recent report from German outlet BILD reveals a hidden clause in Alonso’s Leverkusen contract that could see him make a move to Liverpool as early as the next summer if an approach is initiated. Similar provisions also exist for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the other European giants where the Spanish midfielder plied his trade.

With uncertainty looming over Carlo Ancelotti’s future as Real Madrid’s head coach, amid rumors of him potentially taking charge of Brazil during the 2024 Copa America, the Santiago Bernabeu seems like the most logical destination for Alonso.

Klopp, on the other hand, has a contract with Liverpool until 2026, and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t see it through. Klopp himself expressed his dedication to the club after signing a two-year extension last year, saying, “I love our club, it’s the best place to be. I feel really, really lucky. What it is now? Six and a half years ago, FSG thought it would be a good idea to bring a German fella in, and here we are. We will stay for another two, making it four from now on.”

If, by any chance, Klopp decides to part ways with Liverpool in 2026, and Alonso remains available, the former Liverpool midfielder could emerge as the ideal candidate to fill his shoes.