Liverpool will prioritise a move for Xabi Alonso, who is considered the No.1 candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool will target Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement in the summer. The Spaniard remains the Merseysiders’ No.1 choice to succeed the German at the helm, and are impressed with his performances at Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp?
Jurgen Klopp shocked the whole of Merseyside and probably the world with his surprise announcement confirming his impending departure from Liverpool. The German boss will leave the club after nine years at Anfield, leaving the club to find a suitable replacement in his place.
The fact that Klopp announced his decision in January probably allows Liverpool to look closely at potential candidates and evaluate the names on their list. Of those, sitting top is that of former midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.
The 42-year-old has made his presence known by leading this Leverkusen side at the top of the Bundesliga table and remaining unbeaten this season so far. His style of play and the promise of the future probably make him the favourite to take the job at Liverpool.
There’s a reported clause in his contract that allows him to join one of his former sides, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, something Alonso might take up if an offer came by. Liverpool considers the 42-year-old as their top target to replace Klopp and may have an upper hand, considering Real Madrid will stick with Ancelotti for the time being.
Who are the other names on Liverpool’s shortlist?
In the wake of Klopp’s shock announcement, the media have stayed busy jotting down names who could potentially succeed the German boss. While these are mostly speculation, including that of Alonso, there are some notable mentions of new names.
Liverpool are reportedly keen on Roberto De Zerbi, with the Brighton boss also likely to emerge on the shortlist of Barcelona after Xavi Hernandez announced his departure ahead of the summer. There’s also a mention of Ruben Amorim, who was previously linked with the Tottenham job before Ange Postecoglou took over.
Liverpool may not have approached anyone in the short space since Klopp’s announcement unless the club had already known about the German’s intention in advance. As things stand, Alonso is probably the favourite to take over from Klopp, but nothing can be ruled out at this stage about the other names.
They knew in November so….