Bayer Leverkusen Nears Xabi Alonso Replacement With Fabregas, Ten Hag

Bayer Leverkusen is actively searching for a new head coach following Xabi Alonso's announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season to return to Real Madrid as manager. The German club's top candidates are Cesc Fabregas, currently managing Como in Serie A, and Erik Ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager who has been out of a job since October. Fabregas has reportedly indicated a desire to leave Como despite being under contract until 2028, but Bayer Leverkusen would need to pay a significant fee to secure his release. Ten Hag, while commanding higher wages, would be cheaper to hire directly as he is currently unemployed. Both candidates are considered neck and neck for the position, with the club weighing the financial and contractual implications. Alonso leaves Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten domestic double last season, marking a successful tenure and raising expectations for his successor.