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Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has made a fresh admission on the future of Xabi Alonso amid intense interest from Real Madrid.
The 43-year-old, alongside former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, are reportedly the two major candidates to succeed Carlo Ancelotti should the Italian leave Real at the end of the season.
The former Reds midfielder was heavily linked to a move to Anfield for the majority of last season, as he guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.
A trophy lift that shocked the footballing world, made even more impressive because they did not lose once in the league all season.
Many tipped Alonso to be on his way to Liverpool after impressing so much in Germany, but the Spaniard chose to stay at Leverkusen, opting to build on his success and to build on his achievement.
A year on, and talks about potential managerial changes are heating up, with Alonso a hot topic of conversation.
Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that the 43-year-old remains Real Madrid’s top priority to replace Ancelotti.
The legendary Italian manager is expected to be one of the casualties from what has been a poor season for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are in danger of going trophyless this season.
Having lost the Spanish Super Cup to Barcelona earlier this year, Los Blancos, who Arsenal recently trashed in the Champions League quarter-finals, are also trailing Hansi Flick’s side in the La Liga title race.
The Copa del Rey is their only chance at winning a trophy this season, and recent reports suggest that it will be Ancelotti’s last game at the club.
Despite the well-publicised interest from Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, recently revealed that Alonso had no plans to leave.
“No, he’s staying, that’s it,” Rolfes said, shutting down the rumours.
“He told me that there was nothing.
He has a contract with us.”
However, it now appears the Spaniard is considering Real Madrid’s offer, with the club’s CEO revealing his chances of leaving the club this summer are now higher.
Addressing the subject of Alonso’s potential departure, Fernando Carro told Sky about:
“My gut feeling is 50:50,” before adding, “We won’t wait until the end of the season.
We’ll have to decide beforehand, because it has further consequences for squad planning and preparation.
“That’s why both Xabi and we are aware: this is a decision that can’t be dragged out much longer – it needs to be made relatively soon.”
A move to Madrid would be a full-circle moment for Alonso.
As a player, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League with the Spanish giants.
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