Cesc Fabregas ’emerges as frontrunner to exchange Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen’ after impressing with Serie A aspect Como

Cesc Fabregas is the leading candidate to become Bayer Leverkusen’s new manager, according to a report. 

The Bundesliga side have entered the market for new manager following the exit of Xabi Alonso after three years. 

Alonso last week announced he will depart at the end of the season and is poised to take over former club Real Madrid. 

Fabregas, a former team-mate of Alonso, has created a strong impression with his work at Serie A side Como – and Leverkusen want him as their next manager, according to Marca. 

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is believed to match Leverkusen’s ideal profile – a youthful, attack-focused coach with a strong desire for success. 

Leverkusen are said to be waiting for Fabregas to accept their proposal before officially moving forward with a deal. 

Cesc fabregas is a lead candidate to become the new Bayer Leverkusen manager

Fabregas guided Como to promotion last year and they now sit 10th in Serie A

Xabi Alonso is poised to join Real Madrid after announcing his exit from Bayer Leverkusen

The 38-year-old boosted Como to the top-flight division last summer after an absence of 21 years. 

Como have comfortably avoided relegation and currently sit 10th following their 3-1 win over Cagliari on Sunday. 

Fabregas is currently under contract with the Italians until 2028, meaning the club would need require compensation if Leverkusen were to poach him. 

The Spaniard would have big shoes to fill as Alonso earned widespread acclaim for leading Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double last season, losing just one game across all fronts – the Europa League final in their final match of the campaign. 

‘This week, the club and I have agreed these will be my last two games as Leverkusen coach,’ Alonso announced on Friday.

‘This is the right moment to announce it because we have always had this good communication with the club.

‘We have to enjoy this moment with mixed emotions, it is emotional! I spoke to the players and the staff it was not easy.

‘We’ve had a great connection and that’s been the key. They believed in me and they’ve followed me.

‘I want to have a proper goodbye this weekend.’

As Leverkusen manager, Alonso has taken charge of 139 games, winning 88 of them – just under an impressive 64 per cent win rate. 

As well as being voted the Bundesliga’s coach of the season last year, the Spaniard was also crowned ‘Best Coach of the Year’ by Globe Soccer in 2024.