Xabi Alonso could replace Klopp as Liverpool manager as contract clause emerges

11 October 2023 , 14:25

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Xabi Alonso has impressed during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso will be allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen next summer if another club comes calling - putting Liverpool on red alert.

Alonso has impressed since joining Leverkusen a year ago, winning 26 of his 47 games in charge. The Spaniard's team are currently top of the Bundesliga table - two points ahead of Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in third - after making an unbeaten start to the season.

Jurgen Klopp has been in charge of Liverpool since October 2015 and is eventually expected to step down. While his contract doesn't expire until June 2026, it would be unwise for the Reds not to have a shortlist prepared in case they need to make a change.

Alonso is a Liverpool legend and many fans would love to see him return to Merseyside when the time is right. The ex-midfielder's clause only increases speculation of a comeback, although Real Madrid and Bayern are also interested in giving him a go.

As reported by Sport Bild, Bayer will allow Alonso to move on if he receives an irresistible offer from one of his former clubs - Liverpool, Real or Bayern - at the end of the season. Real are undoubtedly the favourites to appoint the two-time Champions League winner as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

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Ancelotti is expected to leave the Spanish giants when his contract expires in June to become Brazil's manager for the Copa America. The Italian is currently two-and-a-bit years into his second spell at the Bernabeu, with Real sitting top of La Liga.

Jurgen Klopp's time in charge of Liverpool won't last forever (James Marsh/REX/Shutterstock)

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Bayern is another possible destination for Alonso. Thomas Tuchel was appointed by Bayern in March - guiding them to an unlikely Bundesliga title at Borussia Dortmund's expense - but has clashed with the club's hierarchy over a lack of transfers.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, who won the Champions League with both Bayern and Dortmund as a manager, believes Alonso should stay at Leverkusen until 2025. "Real Madrid is a house number that is hard to say no to if there really is an offer," Hitzfeld told Sport Bild.

"But my recommendation to Xabi is - stay in Leverkusen until 2025. I think he should repay the club for giving Leverkusen the chance to work as head coach in the Bundesliga. He is still young and can gain a lot of experience here and leave something great behind."

Alonso's contract with Leverkusen is due to expire in June 2026 - coinciding with Klopp's current Liverpool deal. The latter's most recent extension was in April 2022 when he said: "There is a freshness about us as a club still and this energises me."

Tom Blow