Xabi Alonso has €15 million release clause amidst interest from Real Madrid

After an average season that nearly led to their relegation last term, few expected Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen to amount to anything beyond a challenge for Europe. But Die Werkself has shocked the world and the Bundesliga with them challenging for the 2023/24 Bundesliga title. Even then, many expected them to drop off the challenge halfway into the season, and yet, things are going strong.

So strong that Alonso’s side is the only unbeaten side in Europe’s top five leagues as they’ve gone 41 games without a loss across all competitions. That includes an unbeaten run in the league as Bayern Munich’s struggles mean that Leverkusen is just one win away from clinching the league title. It has seen Alonso linked with a move away although he has confirmed he’ll stay at Leverkusen beyond this season.

Xabi Alonso has €15 million release clause

However, as per the Sunday Mirror, Alonso has a €15 million release clause that will only kick in the summer of 2025. That has attracted Real Madrid’s interest as Carlo Ancelotti’s contract expires in the summer of 2026. The Los Blancos are reportedly happy with Ancelotti at the club but are looking towards the future and believe that the 41-year-old is the right fit, especially with the way things have gone at Leverkusen.

Furthermore, Relevo has reported that Alonso is Real Madrid’s front-runner to take over from Ancelotti and the club believes that the Italian will step aside next summer for him. But, the Spaniard has attracted attention from Bayern Munich and Liverpool even if he did turn them down. The two sides are still interested in appointing Alonso although the Reds are now looking at other options to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.

The Mirror has further reported that Alonso is keen on the Real Madrid job but is willing to bide his time and wait for the right moment before making his move. It’s why, as per Relevo, the 41-year-old opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season and rejected the interest from both Bayern and Liverpool.

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