One of the important decisions that FC Barcelona will have to make before the start of the next season is that of the next first-team manager, as Xavi Hernandez has already announced his decision to leave after this season.
In the days that have passed since that announcement, several candidates have been linked for this job. Hansi Flick is one of the most strongly linked names currently, while Deco has raised doubts about the likelihood of other high-profile names like Jurgen Klopp coming for the next season.
Now, SPORT reports that there is another manager that is generating consensus in a significant part of the Barcelona board. This is the current Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, who has been gaining plaudits from everyone for his performances with the German club.
FC Barcelona like the style that Alonso has implemented at Leverkusen a lot, but there is one barrier that can keep the Spaniard from coming to Barcelona. Xabi Alonso spent a very prominent part of his playing career at Real Madrid, and remained at the Santiago Bernabeu for six years.
In addition to Real Madrid, Liverpool is another club where Alonso left very fond memories. As Jurgen Klopp has also announced his decision to leave the Premier League side at the end of the season, Liverpool is also emerging as a highly likely next destination for Alonso.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also reported to be having him in their sights for a role at the Bernabeu not too far into the future. However, Barcelona wants to make a move before either of these sides to acquire the services of a highly fashionable tactician.
The club will be helped in this pursuit by the fact that these two sides are not the only ones having a past with Alonso, as he spent his childhood in Barcelona when his father was associated with the club as a player.