Liverpool look set to be rivalled in their pursuit of Xabi Alonso by Bayern Munich.
Alonso has emerged as the clear favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer. However, as journalist Raphael Honigstein has outlined, Bayern would ‘love’ to bring him in to replace the under-fire Thomas Tuchel, too.
Reports have previously indicated that Alonso has an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen that he could leave for either Liverpool or Bayern, as well as Real Madrid. And according to an update from French outlet Foot Mercato, two of the three are looking to utilise that in the coming months.
They claim that it is now ‘highly unlikely’ that Tuchel will continue in Munich beyond this season. As a result, Bayern will need a manager. And they want Alonso.
Liverpool on the other hand are said to have made the Spaniard a ‘priority’ to succeed Klopp. Thankfully, the certainty that there will be an open vacancy has reportedly handed the Reds an ‘advantage’ in the race.
A second boost is claimed to come in the fact that Alonso would currently prefer to take over at Liverpool than at Bayern. Given the state of play, Bayern supposedly know they need to move fast to change Xabi’s mind.
Alonso favouring Liverpool move
The interest of Bayern at this stage just goes to show that it’s anything but inevitable that Alonso ends up back at Anfield for next season.
Ever since Klopp’s announcement three weeks ago, the 42-year-old has felt to be his natural successor. In the eyes of many Liverpool supporters, their former midfielder is the only choice.
One of the reasons for that is obviously because of how well Alonso is doing with Leverkusen. What he and his team have achieved so far this season has been remarkable.
That kind of success and the signal of huge potential is always going to attract the top clubs in the game.
With Alonso having a clear connection to three massive teams – as well as Real Sociedad – the battle to bring him in was always going to be fierce.
Luckily, it appears that Real Madrid won’t be involved this time. Had Klopp’s decision to leave come a year down the line, then perhaps they would. That would have made things even more difficult for Liverpool.
The other thing to mention here is that even if the Reds do manage to lure Alonso this year, he may look to move on in the future. That’s obviously fine and it comes with the territory, but it would be nice to have another boss like Jurgen who you knew wouldn’t have his head turned. That won’t be the case with Xabi.
Another reason why our outgoing manager really is one of a kind, we suppose.
Anyway, with Tuchel still in situ at the Allianz Arena, there’s still nothing to be immediately concerned with here. Liverpool need to step up their efforts though, if they haven’t already.
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