Ex-Leverkusen official Calmund: Alonso won't go to Bayern, Liverpool

Long-time former Bayer Leverkusen official Rainer Calmund believes that coach Xabi Alonso will neither move on to Bayern Munich or Liverpool but instead take the helm at Real Madrid one day.

Alonso, 42, played for all three clubs he has been linked with. Bayern and Liverpool need new coaches in summer after the departure of Thomas Tuchel and Jürgen Klopp, respectively.

Real's Carlo Ancelotti has renewed until 2026, when Alonso's contract in Leverkusen also runs out.

Alonso's Leverkusen are unbeaten in all 34 season games they have played, lead the Bundesliga by 10 points, are in the German Cup semi-finals, and in the Europa League last 16.

Sky TV has reported initial talks between Bayern and Alonso but Calmund, who worked at Bayer in various functions 1976-2004 and most notably as managing director, told Tuesday's Wolfsburger Allgemeine paper he doesn't see the Spaniard go to Munich or Anfield.

"I don't think Xabi Alonso will go to Bayern. He won't be Klopp's successor at Liverpool either, because it's difficult to succeed him because Klopp is considered a saint by the Reds. It is virtually impossible to take over his legacy," Calmund said.

Calmund added he believes that Alonso "will stay at Bayer for at least another year, maybe even two, before taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

"Alonso became world and European champion with Spain, he won the Champions League with Real Madrid. A move to the Whites in 2026 therefore makes perfect sense," Calmund said.