By Xabi Alonso’s potential move to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s successor seems unlikely as the Premier League club anticipates his continued tenure with Bayer Leverkusen.
Previously considered a strong contender to fill Klopp’s shoes, Alonso’s expected retention by Leverkusen comes amidst speculation linking him with Bayern Munich, who sought him as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel.
Alonso’s remarkable performance in steering Leverkusen toward their first Bundesliga title has solidified his position at the helm of the club. His journey from Real Sociedad’s B team to Leverkusen, transforming the latter from a bottom-half Bundesliga team to Europa League contenders and potential Bundesliga champions, has garnered significant attention.
Liverpool’s restructuring efforts ahead of appointing a new manager have seen the return of Michael Edwards as CEO of football and the recruitment of Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as sporting director. Despite this, Alonso is not expected to be part of Liverpool’s final shortlist for the managerial position.
Bayern Munich also acknowledge the challenge of securing Alonso’s services, with Uli Hoeness, the club’s honorary president, expressing doubts about luring him away from Leverkusen amidst their current successes. Reports suggested that Bayern had initiated discussions with Alonso for a potential summer move, but Leverkusen’s achievements and Alonso’s contract situation have complicated matters.
Alonso’s release clause, reportedly ranging from £12.8m to £21.3m, is not set to become active until 2025, posing a financial hurdle for any interested club. While Bayern explores other coaching options, such as Roberto De Zerbi from Brighton, they remain cautious about rushing into a decision, emphasizing the importance of finding a coach who aligns with the club’s philosophy and identity.
As the managerial merry-go-round continues in European football, Alonso’s commitment to Leverkusen underscores his dedication to building upon the club’s recent successes, leaving Liverpool and Bayern to explore alternative options for their managerial vacancies.
