The process of bringing fans’ favourite Xabi Alonso to Liverpool has reportedly already begun.
Liverpool reportedly reached out to Xabi Alonso regarding the possibility of him succeeding Jurgen Klopp next season. He is rumoured to be the leading candidate on their shortlist and is highly sought after following his success with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, as cited by the Express, Liverpool have initiated contact with Alonso to gauge his interest in a return to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down at the conclusion of the current season, prompting Alonso to emerge as the frontrunner to take over the managerial role.
Publicly, Alonso has distanced himself from the vacancy. “I was surprised by Jurgen’s news,” said the Spaniard. “I have huge respect for Jurgen and Liverpool. At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.
“Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he’s done it. He has a connection with the fans, he’s done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen.
“I have great motivation to do a good job here, I’m very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that’s my focus. My focus isn’t on May, it’s on tomorrow ahead of our game against Gladbach and helping my players to be ready. But what I will say is it was surprising what happened at Liverpool with Jurgen leaving.”
Reports had surfaced regarding a clause in Alonso’s contract with Leverkusen suggesting he could be released to Liverpool for a fee. Despite denial from Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro, he still expressed skepticism about retaining Alonso if Liverpool were to make an offer.
“No (there is no clause), but you don’t need a clause,” Carro said in November. “We have a very, very good relationship with Xabi and he knows we are a serious club. And at the end of the day, we’re not going to force someone to stay if he doesn’t want to stay.
“We want him to feel so happy and so good with us that he really only wants to stay and this is our objective.
“There is nothing on paper. But sometimes agreements that are not on paper are agreements as well.
“We know if he needs to do a move in the future we will be able to talk with each other. And I hope we will not need to do this because he will stay and be happy at Leverkusen.”
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Identify Manager with 146 Wins as Xabi Alonso Alternative to Replace Jurgen Klopp