Xabi Alonso signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen last summer extending his commitment until the 2025-26 campaign.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp.
The German will step down as the Reds boss at the end of the current season.
The 42-year-old penned a fresh contract with Leverkusen last summer, extending his commitment until the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
However, sources indicate that he reached a gentleman’s agreement with the club’s leadership.
This has granted the Spaniard flexibility to leave for a prestigious club such as Liverpool.
Having enjoyed a prosperous five-year stint at Anfield as a player from 2004 to 2009, he played a pivotal role in securing triumphs in both the FA Cup and the Champions League.
This strong connection to Liverpool further fuels speculation about his potential return to the club, especially with the reported understanding between him and Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso was appointed Leverkusen boss in October 2022 and has orchestrated a remarkable transformation at the club, evolving from relegation strugglers to holding a commanding eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.
Their recent emphatic victory over Heidenheim adds to their unbeaten record this season.
WHAT DID FABRIZIO ROMANO SAY ABOUT XABI ALONSO?
Bayern Munich, according to the Atheltic are contemplating a move for Alonso should Thomas Tuchel depart as the head coach.
Fabrizio Romano has now disclosed that Liverpool want to appoint the former Spain midfielder as their next manager.
“Liverpool want to be respectful to Leverkusen but it’s 100% confirmed that they want to go for Xabi Alonso,” he said.
“They know everything about the contract situation and there is a gentlemen’s agreement with Leverkusen for him to leave this summer if he wants to.”
Klopp recently praised Alonso, describing his start to the managerial career as “incredible.”
The 56-year-old has explicitly stated that he won’t be involved in selecting his successor but has given a glowing endorsement of the World Cup winner.
The 56-year-old has explicitly stated that he won’t be involved in selecting his successor but has given a glowing endorsement of the World Cup winner.
“Xabi is doing an incredible job,” Klopp said.
“This is completely independent of that [links with the Liverpool job].”
“If you would have asked me eight weeks ago about Xabi Alonso, I would have gone, ‘Oh my God’.
“The ‘dinosaurs’, if you want, [Carlo] Ancelotti, [José] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, maybe me, we will not do it [carry on in management].
“OK maybe Mourinho, but all the rest will not do it for the next 20 years.”
“The next generation is already there and I would say, at the moment, Xabi is the stand-out in that department.
“Former world-class player, obviously from a coaching family as well, which helps a little bit.
“He was like a coach already when he was playing.”
“The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it was absolutely exceptional.”
Klopp added:
“How quick his team is that well-tuned.”
“For the time it’s taken, he’s put his proper stamp on it.”
“Nobody knows if that is always the way he wants to play or if it’s the way this team specifically plays.
“He is not long enough in the business to tell, but obviously the coaching part is exceptional. That is clear.”
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