Xabi Alonso's 'secret' career plan leaked as he dreamed of managing three Euro giants
XABI ALONSO is said to have a plan ahead of a dream to manage European giants.
The Bayer Leverkusen manager is currently one of the biggest talents in European football.
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Alonso, 42, is tipped as a frontrunner for the Liverpool job following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
The Spaniard has also been linked with jobs at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the past.
However, those clubs could be in Alonso's sights and are said to have a 'secret' plan.
Spanish reporter Guillem Balagué has revealed that Alonso told his agent he would return to Real Sociedad if things did not “go well”.
The retired midfielder was a coach at the LaLiga club when he was in charge of the B team between 2019 and 2022.
It seems unlikely that Alonso will return to Spain, where his side will challenge for the Bundesliga title.
Balagué has insisted that Alonso has a big job in mind if he leaves Bayer Leverkusen.
He also suggested that Manchester City could also view Alonso as a potential replacement for Pep Guardiola
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He told the BBC's The Football News Show: “I'll let you in on a little secret.
“When he went to Bayer Leverkusen, he said to his agent: 'You know what, I think if things don't go well at Bayer Leverkusen, I'll go back to Real Sociedad.'
“But if things go well, from here it will be Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“Let me add Manchester City to the equation and that's where Xabi Alonso could go next.
“When, is another matter.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also said to be interested in a move for him.
Current boss Xavi Hernandez, like Klopp, has announced he will step down as manager in the summer.
His current contract at the BayArena runs until 2025, and he could get plenty of offers if he were to wait another year.
Guardiola's contract at Etihad expires that year, as does Carlo Ancelotti's at Real Madrid.
However, Liverpool are likely to be keen to appoint Klopp's long-term successor this summer, rather than waiting a year.