Xabi Alonso to Depart Bayer Leverkusen

On Friday, Bayer Leverkusen announced that their coach, Xabi Alonso, will depart the club at the end of the season after a 3-year run with the team.

There were a lot of reports linking the Spanish coach with the LaLiga giants Real Madrid. 

Alonso took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022 and led them to lift their first Bundesliga title, without losing a game.

He also led them to win the German Cup and the Europa League final.

Alonso's contract with the German team runs until 2026, but the club said they had granted Xabi's wish to terminate his deal at the end of the season.

Alonso said: "We can let you know that this week the club and I, we have agreed that these two games are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach."

"We've been talking during this week and now it's the right moment to announce it," Alonso added of his departure.

"Now that we have clarity it's the right moment to say that for sure it's a moment with mixed emotions, that it's the moment to announce it and to know it."