05 March 2024 , 09:51
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Bayern Munich have stolen a march on Liverpool by making the first move for Xabi Alonso.
The Spaniard, 42, is in demand after transforming Bayer Leverkusen into title contenders in his first senior management role. The Bundesliga outfit are unbeaten in the league this season and on course to win their first ever German title under Alonso.
Unfortunately for Leverkusen, Alonso's exploits have not gone unnoticed. Bayern, who are 10 points behind their rivals in the league, are avid admirers of the former midfielder. Alonso also has another high-profile suitor in the form of Liverpool and has already been touted as the ideal candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the summer. However, it's Bayern who are thought to be leading the race for his services.
A new report from Sky Germany has revealed that the German champions have 'opened discussions' with Alonso's camp, who have been positive during initial talks. It's also outlined that replacing Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena would be Alonso's preference despite interest from Liverpool.
While a €15m (£12.8m) release clause in Alonso's contract doesn't kick in until 2025, Leverkusen won't allow him to leave on the cheap. The report estimates that any suitor may have to pay up to €25m (£21.3m) if they want to prise Alonso away this summer.
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Having signed a new contract in August, it should come as no surprise that landing Alonso would come at a premium price. It also goes a long way to explaining why the Leverkusen hierarchy are relaxed about any approaches for their head coach.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes recently told Saarbruecker Zeitung: “I remain calm and optimistic. he most important thing with managers is that they feel comfortable and have the feeling that they are in the right place.
Join the debate! Who do you want to see as Liverpool's next manager? Let us know here.
Liverpool are currently searching for Jurgen Klopp's successor (Getty Images)“Xabi knows what he has at the club. He has often said that. That’s how he works with his team and his coaching team every day. There are many conjunctures in the world. Not all of them have to materialise.”
Missing out on Alonso would be a bitter disappointment for Liverpool considering they quickly identified their former playmaker as the ideal replacement for Klopp, who announced at the start of the year that this season would be his final act as manager.
While the Anfield hierarchy have kept Alonso at the forefront of their plans, they do also have alternative options in mind. Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be one such candidate as is Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim.
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