LEVERKUSEN, Germany – As Xabi Alonso prepares for his expected move to Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen are casting their eyes toward Italy—specifically to Como’s technical area, where Cesc Fabregas is quietly making a name for himself in management.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is among the names Leverkusen are considering to fill the vacancy Alonso will leave this summer, according to sources close to the club. The 37-year-old Spaniard, currently in charge of Serie A side Como, is understood to be open to a return to top-flight football.
Fabregas’s name has also surfaced in conversations at RB Leipzig, who are said to be exploring options should their own managerial situation shift.
For now, no formal offer has been made, but interest is genuine. One source close to Leverkusen told The New York Times, “There is admiration for how he’s approached the job at Como. He has a presence, and players respond to him. He’s being watched.”
Alonso, meanwhile, confirmed this week that his time in the Bundesliga is almost up.
“The club and I have agreed that these are going to be my last two games as Bayer Leverkusen coach,” he said at a press conference. “This is a moment with mixed emotions. We want to have a proper farewell.”
His departure comes after a remarkable run. Last season, Alonso led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a domestic double, falling just one game short of an unbeaten treble after a defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Pep Guardiola, who coached Alonso at Bayern Munich, was among those paying tribute.
“The impact on Leverkusen has been unbelievable,” the Manchester City boss said. “The way they play and improve the players—they should be proud of what they’ve built.”
Alonso is widely tipped to return to Madrid and take over from Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to step down at the end of the season. An announcement is expected shortly after the Spanish season concludes.
In Como, Fabregas has quietly built momentum. The club, which he joined as a player in 2022, earned promotion to Serie A under his guidance. While his tenure hasn’t been without drama—he was recently sent off for protesting a red card against AC Milan—his impact has not gone unnoticed.
Though he reaffirmed his commitment to Como earlier this year, multiple reports suggest Fabregas would seriously consider a Bundesliga challenge. Still, any move would likely depend on assurances around squad investment and sporting direction.
RB Leipzig, meanwhile, remain interested in Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner but have not ruled out a younger, more experimental appointment.
Whatever happens, Leverkusen face a delicate transition. Replacing a figure as influential as Alonso—who not only won but inspired—is no small task. The club’s board are expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, with pre-season preparations looming.
For now, Leverkusen fans will savour Alonso’s final moments on the touchline, while keeping a watchful eye on the shores of Lake Como.
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