Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has rejected an opportunity to take over at Bayer Leverkusen as the German champions search for a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Spain international midfielder has decided to honor his existing contract with Como, which runs until 2028, despite interest from the Bundesliga champions.

Fabregas, 38, has been impressive in his managerial career at Como, first working as an assistant coach where he helped secure promotion to Serie A in the 2023-24 season. He has since guided the club to the brink of a top-half finish in their first season back in the Italian top flight.

His success has not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs showing interest in his services. Reports indicate that Leverkusen is not the first major club to approach Fabregas, with RB Leipzig and Roma having previously made contact with the Spanish tactician.

Sources close to the situation reveal that Fabregas' decision to remain at Como stems from gratitude toward the club for the trust they placed in him when he was yet to obtain his UEFA coaching license for top-level management.

Bayer Leverkusen's search for a new manager comes as current coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to take over at Real Madrid, following his remarkable achievement of leading Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title.

Fabregas and Alonso, both World Cup winners with Spain, appear to be taking different paths in their managerial careers, with Fabregas choosing stability and loyalty at Como while Alonso prepares for a high-profile move to the Spanish giants.