Liverpool offers Xabi Alonso a deal, but Bayer Leverkusen’s counteroffer is significant. #anfield
It’s been reported that Liverpool has initiated contact regarding Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Xabi Alonso. However, the likelihood of him replacing Jurgen Klopp doesn’t seem certain. When Klopp announced his departure from Anfield at the end of the season, Alonso’s name quickly surfaced as a potential successor. The former Liverpool midfielder, who won the Champions League with the club in 2005, has been leading Leverkusen to success in Germany this season.
Leverkusen remains unbeaten this season, leading the Bundesliga and progressing in both the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal. Besides Liverpool, Bayern Munich, another former club of Alonso’s, is also reportedly interested in him as they prepare for the departure of their current manager.
However, another possibility is Alonso staying at Leverkusen, especially as the club is almost guaranteed Champions League football next season. This commitment to Leverkusen may force Liverpool and Bayern to consider other options.
According to reports from Bild (via The Express), Liverpool has already reached out to Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez. Nevertheless, Alonso is expected to stay at Leverkusen rather than making a move to the Premier League.
Alonso still has two years left on his contract with Leverkusen, having taken over in October 2022. In his first season, he successfully guided the team out of relegation danger and into European competition.
Liverpool is considering other candidates, including Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann. Amorim has been achieving great results with Sporting CP in Portugal, while Nagelsmann, a former Bayern boss, is currently managing the German national team.
Alonso was questioned about his future ahead of Leverkusen’s recent Bundesliga match against Mainz. He stated, “Right now I am Bayer Leverkusen coach and that’s certain. Regarding the future, I have nothing new to say.”
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, expressed confidence that Alonso will stay with the club. He cited various factors such as contractual obligations, comfort, and the club’s prospects for the future. Leverkusen currently holds an eight-point lead with 11 games remaining in the season.
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