In football, hope is the name of the game — and Liverpool fans just got a fresh dose of it.
A recent statement from Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has opened the door, just slightly, for the return of a familiar face: Xabi Alonso.
The former Liverpool midfielder, now head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract.
But Carro confirmed something far more interesting — a “gentlemen’s agreement.”
“If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk about it and we will not put any obstacles in the way,” said Carro.
🚩 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro on Xabi Alonso’s future: “He has no exit clause, but we have a gentlemen’s agreement. If a team he has played for comes, we will sit down and talk about it and we will not put any obstacles in the way.”
More coming soon here @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/6k7PN3jFqc
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That’s music to the ears of fans at Anfield, who could still sing Alonso’s name from the stands.
The elegant Spaniard lifted the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and left a lasting legacy during his five years at the club.
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Now, his coaching career is hitting new heights — and Reds supporters are watching closely.
Alonso’s legacy grows as Slot shines at Liverpool
Alonso’s Leverkusen stormed to a domestic double in 2024 and even flirted with an unbeaten season across all competitions with losing just the Europa League final.
While this season’s Bundesliga title looks likely to head back to Bayern Munich, the job Alonso has done in Germany is no fluke — it’s the stuff of football fairytales.
Back in England, Liverpool are flying high under new boss Arne Slot. They’re just one win away from lifting the Premier League title again, and Slot’s relaxed, player-friendly style is getting results.
But if things take a turn in a few seasons — and Alonso’s still in Leverkusen — don’t rule out a dramatic return.
Alonso, ever calm under pressure, isn’t rushing a decision. “It’s not the perfect time to speak about the future,” he said. Fair enough, but that won’t stop fans from dreaming.
With Real Madrid also reportedly in the mix, it may not be a simple path back to Merseyside.
Still, Alonso’s bond with Liverpool is special — and if timing, and trophies, align, the midfield maestro could yet make a comeback in the dugout.
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