Bayer Leverkusen CEO, Fernando Carro, has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding manager Xabi Alonso’s future at the club, suggesting there’s a 50-50 chance the Spaniard will remain in charge amid growing links with Real Madrid.
Carro disclosed that Leverkusen and Alonso share a “gentlemen’s agreement” that would allow the former midfielder to leave for one of his previous clubs, for a fee, should an opportunity arise.
Alonso, who once wore the Real Madrid shirt during his playing days, guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten league and cup double last season, fueling speculation that he could take over at the Bernabeu with Carlo Ancelotti’s future in doubt.
Speaking ahead of the Laureus Sports Awards, where Leverkusen are nominated for Breakthrough of the Year following their maiden Bundesliga triumph, Carro admitted to reporters, “My gut feeling is that it’s 50-50” regarding Alonso’s stay.
“Xabi has no exit clause, but we have a gentleman’s agreement. If a team he has played for comes, we would sit down and discuss it and we wouldn’t stand in his way,” he explained.
Carro emphasized the need for prompt clarity, stating the club can’t afford to delay any decision, “The decision needs to be in the next three or four weeks. We cannot wait until the end of the season.”
Despite a dip in form this campaign, currently sitting eight points behind Bayern Munich with four matches left, Leverkusen remain on course for their second-best points haul in club history.
They were recently eliminated by Bayern in the Champions League and suffered a shock German Cup semi-final exit to third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.
Carro reiterated Alonso’s continued involvement in planning for the upcoming season, “We are not naive, the position of the coach is very important for a club and it is true that we are preparing for next season with him. We have worked with him every day; he is fully committed to this preparation.”
The Leverkusen chief also addressed speculation surrounding 21-year-old midfielder Florian Wirtz, insisting: “He has a contract until 2027 and I believe he will play for us next year.”
