16 November 2023 , 14:18
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Liverpool will be planning for life post-Jurgen Klopp but the timelines align that could see them move for one of Europe's most exciting young coaches.
Xabi Alonso, who was a Champions League winner with the Reds, is currently setting records in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. His outfit are top of the table having won ten of their 11 games thus far with the Spaniard already being linked with bigger roles.
He's got European experience with Leverkusen and his exploits are attracting interest from Real Madrid, who are searching for Carlo Ancelotti's successor. Leverkusen though have protected themselves ahead of approaches and SDZ claim Alonso has a release clause of between €15million and €18m.
The German side allowed Alonso to have an agreement that he is allowed to leave should Liverpool, Real or Bayern come calling - provided they paid the hefty fee. Alonso's contract though expires in the summer of 2026 - the same time as Klopp's deal ends.
Liverpool have shown zero desire to move Klopp on or change their plans under the German, who again has the Merseysiders poised to challenge for silverware. By his contract end though he'll have had more than a decade at Anfield and may be open to a change.
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That could pave the way for Alonso to fill the void with no other obvious candidates currently putting themselves forward. The Spaniard's association with the club will endear him to the fans and his stock may have risen even further by that point.
Xabi Alonso is on Real Madrid's list for a potential new manager (Getty Images)Alonso returned to the club to take part in a legends event last year and his affection for the club remained clear: "I really loved it and a great cause, great atmosphere, best stadium in the world. Great day. [Anfield is] different. You have pretty stadiums all over the world, great atmospheres, Champions League nights – but this is Anfield. The soul, the stands, the lights, it's different and it's pure football. That's why we love it as a player, as a fan, as anyone that comes."
Real though could be willing to act before 2026 comes around. They are by no means shy when it comes to buying managers out of contracts having done so twice with Ancelotti. There is a lack of names currently on the market which could force their hand.
Julian Nagelsmann is now in charge of the German national side whilst they could consider club legend Raul, who is leading the Madrid B side currently.