Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has spoken out on his future amid West Ham links and contradicted claims from his CEO.
West Ham have been heavily linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso as their successor to David Moyes.
It is perhaps no surprise given West Ham technical director Tim Steidten was one of the key men responsible for appointing Alonso at Leverkusen.
They say there is no smoke without fire. And a source inside West Ham has claimed Steidten’s appointment could see the German help West Ham replace Moyes with the Spaniard in the summer.
Alonso speaks on future amid West Ham links
Many West Ham fans have been excited at the prospect of appointing a young, progressive, modern, attack-minded albeit somewhat inexperienced coach like Alonso.
Especially after his side played West Ham off the park in a thumping pre-season win.
And against the backdrop of some West Ham fans jeering the side’s performances despite being five games unbeaten.
Alonso had seemed destined for one of his three former clubs with links to Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich. But the possibility of those eventualities has been ruled out quite emphatically of late.
Coy boss contradicts CEO claims
There has also been real encouragement West Ham could – should they move for him – land Alonso after a reported release clause in his contract was denied and Leverkusen’s CEO said he would be free to leave next summer if he so wishes.
Well now Alonso has spoken out on his future amid the West Ham links and contradicts his CEO’s claims.
In an exclusive interview with Movistar+, Alonso was asked about the speculation over his future amid links to the likes of West Ham, Real and Bayern.
And while he played his cards close to his chest, he did appear to confirm he does have a contractual clause.
Steidten the ace up West Ham’s sleeve?
“These are contractual issues,” Alonso said when pressed on the speculation over his future.
“I’m well attached here.”
I would describe Alonso as being coy on his future in the interview. Which will surely encourage West Ham.
It’s inevitable the Hammers would face plenty of competition if they do want to lure Alonso to east London.
Because Leverkusen are the last remaining unbeaten team across all competitions in Europe’s top five leagues with 18 wins and two draws approaching the halfway stage.
David Sullivan will hope he has the trump card in Steidten and his existing relationship with Alonso if West Ham do decide to part ways with Moyes come what May.
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