Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has dented Liverpool’s hopes of resigning Xabi Alonso by confirming the midfielder won’t be leaving the Allianz Arena next summer.
The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a move back to Anfield to end his career once his contract expires in Germany, but Rummenigge has revealed the club’s desire to keep him past this season.
Alonso‘s current deal expires this summer, and he could be free to talk to Liverpool in the New Year due to the Bosman Ruling, but it looks like he is set to be offered a contract extension at Bayern with the club’s chief ruling out a move.
The 34-year-old has been at Bayern since 2014, after agreeing to join from Real Madrid, and it looks like he’s set to extend his stay.
When asked about Alonso’s future, Rummenigge said: “Recently, I had a talk with Xabi. He feels very good at Bayern Munich and in the city of Munich too.”
“He signalled to me he is interested in staying in Munich. Rumours he would plan to leave are wrong.”
Despite the chief of Bayern Munich feeling optimistic about Alono’s future, the Spaniard himself has revealed he hasn’t made a decision yet on where his future lies after this season.
“I have not made a decision yet, neither for Bayern nor against,” the midfielder said. “Even concerning the end of my career I have not set a limit.
“I am pleased about the positive signals. I am happy to be at the club.
“I can feel the respect, this is important. Now we will see what happens.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt