Liverpool abandons plans to bring Xabi Alonso at the helm

In a recent development, Liverpool have ruled out the plans to bring Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as the successor to Jurgen Klop at the helm. As per the sources Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim are considered as the top candidates for the job at Anfield. 

Alonso, a Champions League winner with the Reds as a player in 2005, is on the brink of guiding Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title this season. 

With Klop publicly announcing in January that he would resign from his role this summer- the former Borussia Dortmund coach told the club of his intentions in November- Alonso had come out as firm favourite to make a move to Anfield because of his connection as a player and his magnificent work at the BayArea. 

With Bayern Munich also on the lookout for a new manager due to Thomas Tuchel departing the Allianz Arena at the end of this season, Alonso had also appeared as the top candidate for the job in Bavaria.

During his illustrious career as a player, Alonso had also represented Bayern Munich. 

The Honorary Bayern president Uli Hoeness stated Thursday that hiring Alonso this summer is “probably impossible”, and now Liverpool sources have come out and said that the club have chosen to pursue other targets in the market considering Alonso is looking to  continue for at least one more season at the BayArea. 

According to sources Micheal Edwards, who returned to Liverpool as the club’s CEO of football earlier this month having previously served as the sporting director, had already recognised alternative options to Alonso. 

De Zerbi, whose Brighton team plays Liverpool in the PL on Sunday, enjoys decent support within the Liverpool hierarchy. 

While De Zerbi’s credentials at Brighton has made him a hot prospect, Sporting coach Amorin is also seen as a serious contender to succeed Klopp  

Meanwhile, Alonso, is expected to be a target for Spanish Giants, Real Madrid when current boss Carlo Ancelotti’s contract runs out in 2026.