Fabrizio Romano gives Xabi Alonso decision 'very small percentage'

Xabi Alonso is highly unlikely to remain at Bayer Leverkusen beyond the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 42-year-old is on track for the first league title of his career as a manager and the first in Leverkusen's history.

The German side are unbeaten in 2023/24 and lead the Bundesliga by eight points after 23 games. They also recently saw off nearest rivals Bayern Munich 3-0 in a performance that garnered much attention across the footballing world.

As one of the continent's top young coaches, Alonso has risen to the top of the wish lists of both Liverpool and Bayern Munich — two of his former clubs as a player.

The Reds have made the Spaniard their top choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, but face competition from Bayern, who are seeking a replacement for the departing Thomas Tuchel.

Reports claim that Liverpool have made contact with Alonso's entourage over a move. However, the Reds also need to set up a new internal structure, following the exit of sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

Bayern, too, are said to be preparing an approach, with the former midfield playmaker set to face a big decision on his future.

Publicly, Leverkusen bosses have insisted their manager is going nowhere, while Alonso has remained coy as he concentrates on delivering success to his current club.

However, there is little realistic chance of the coach turning down both clubs.

In in his Daily Briefing, Romano claimed that while Alonso is 'focussed' on the task at hand at Leverkusen, there is only a 'very small percentage' he continues at the BayArena beyond 2023/24.

He wrote: “My understanding is that Xabi Alonso himself wants to take some time because he wants to focus on Bayer Leverkusen.

“So, he knows about this interest, obviously, but at the moment he doesn’t want to sign anything or to agree with any club in February, in March, because his focus remains on Bayer Leverkusen.

“Some important people at Leverkusen also hope he could be persuaded to stay for one more year.

“I think it’s a very small percentage that we see Xabi Alonso staying at Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.”

Meanwhile, according to reports, Leverkusen are ready to ask for as much as €25m (£21.4m) in order to part with Alonso — a near-record fee for a manager.