Liverpool are bracing for some big changes as they will have a different face next season. The Reds will lose legendary manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, who has decided to take a rest after many years of hard work. This means that the club is working tirelessly in order to decide which manager will be the next to take over at Anfield.
They have a list of potential targets, and there are some surprising names on that list. They have backup targets if they fail to get their main candidate next season.
Liverpool target Ruben Amorim in case they fail to land Xabi Alonso
Liverpool have a favorite to succeed Jurgen Klopp next season, and that is club legend Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is currently at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has led them to one of the best seasons ever. They are unbeaten all season so far and are 10 points clear at the top of the table. Being one of Liverpool’s legendary players, they want him to take over the mantle of the club next season.
However, they will face difficulties in that aspect, as Bayern Munich are also interested in the player, while Leverkusen won’t want to let him go. If Xabi is not possible, then Liverpool have another target in mind, and that is Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager also has other clubs interested in him. He once interned under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and idolizes the legendary manager.
🚨 Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, but Xabi Alonso remains the frontrunner to replace Jürgen Klopp.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 3, 2024
(Source: Mirror) pic.twitter.com/g0E1fHaH9Q
Amorim has been quite an under-the-radar coach since taking over Sporting in 2020. He managed to transform them into one of the best sides in Portugal, breaking the long dominance of Benfica and Porto. He won the league title in 2021, and his method of coaching has drawn parallels to Klopp’s and he is also known to bring out the best in his youngsters.
Liverpool make positive progress in Xabi Alonso pursuit
Liverpool are said to be making positive strides already in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso. The Merseyside club has already contacted Xabi’s agent, Inaki Ibanez and initiated talks regarding a move to Anfield. The Bayer Leverkusen board has also been similarly informed that they will be pursuing their young manager. The Reds may have to buy his current contract there until 2026.
Our Story: Liverpool has now made a request to the agent of Xabi Alonso, Iñaki Ibáñez
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) February 28, 2024
❇️The bosses of Leverkusen were informed directly
❇️ The club is still confident that Alonso will reject the offer of Liverpool
❇️ Alonso has a contract til 2026@SPORTBILD @AxelHesse1
Positive talks between the two parties have been reported and Xabi will be given a 3 year contract. He is said to prefer joining Liverpool over Bayern at the moment. Liverpool fans will certainly be happy to hear this news. However, any official confirmation will happen at the end of the season.
For now, Liverpool will focus on their next game against Sparta Praha in the Europa League on Thursday.
