Liverpool to move for Xabi Alonso if Jurgen Klopp leaves?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 12 September 2023

Liverpool could reportedly target former midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xavi Alonso if Germany-linked Jurgen Klopp decides to leave Anfield.

Liverpool could reportedly target former midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xavi Alonso if manager Jurgen Klopp decides to leave Anfield.

Klopp's long-term future on Merseyside has come into question since being strongly linked with the Germany vacancy following the sacking of Hansi Flick on Sunday.

The DFB decided to part company with Flick after a disappointing run of just four wins in 17 international matches, and the four-time World Cup winners are now on the hunt to appoint a new head coach just nine months before the nation hosts Euro 2024.

Rudi Voller has been placed in temporary charge of Tuesday's friendly clash with France in Dortmund as the German FA searches for a long-term successor to Flick.

A recent report claims that Klopp is considered a 'dream' target for Germany and they have placed the Liverpool boss on an eight-man shortlist.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso before the match on January 29, 2023 © Reuters

According to The Mirror, Liverpool have put together a succession plan in preparation for when Klopp eventually decides to seek pastures new, and former Reds midfielder Alonso is regarded as one of their possible managerial candidates.

Liverpool had initially considered club legend Steven Gerrard as a long-term successor to Klopp, but his underwhelming spell at Aston Villa and recent switch to Saudi Arabia is said to have moved him down the pecking order.

The report adds that Alonso - who is also on Germany's managerial shortlist - has a 'secret agreement' in his Leverkusen contract that allows him to leave the Bundesliga club if a suitable opportunity is presented to him.

It is also claimed that Klopp has a similar clause in his Liverpool contract that allows him to facilitate a return to his native Germany when he feels the time is right.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Klopp would be interested in taking charge of the German national team ahead of Euro 2024 and calling time on his eight-year reign at Anfield.

Alonso spent six years at Liverpool as a player between 2009 and 2014, making 210 appearances and winning four trophies including the Champions League and FA Cup.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

The 41-year-old, who later represented Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, has since stepped into the world of coaching and took his first senior managerial role with Leverkusen in October last year following a spell in charge of Real Sociedad's reserve team.

Alonso, who is under contract at Leverkusen until June 2026, successfully steered the club away from relegation danger and up to sixth place in the Bundesliga last season, qualifying for the Europa League after winning 13 and drawing six of his 26 league games in charge.

Leverkusen have since made a perfect start to the new campaign under Alonso and they sit top of the Bundesliga table after winning each of their opening three matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.

Klopp, meanwhile, endured a disappointing trophyless campaign with Liverpool last season, but he has since guided the Reds to three wins and one draw in four Premier League games in the 2023-24 campaign.

The German has managed a total of 435 games for Liverpool since joining the club in October 2015, winning 268 of those, and has lifted seven trophies including all four major honours in England as well as the Champions League.