Xabi Alonso could block Liverpool transfer as first act after replacing Klopp
Liverpool have yet to make a decision on the successor to manager Jurgen Klopp, but if they move for Xabi Alonso then it could be good news for youngster Luke Chambers.
The Reds will have a vacancy in the managerial department come the summer, with Klopp bringing his Anfield stint to an end after nearly nine years. Alonso, who won the Champions League as a player with the Reds, has been touted as a contender for the role along with the likes of Ruben Amorim and Julian Nagelsmann.
Alonso is a fan of teenage talent Chambers and even attempted to sign him for current club Bayer Leverkusen, it has been claimed. The full-back remained at Anfield, though, and made his senior debut in this season's Carabao Cup.
Chambers is now on loan at Wigan Athletic, playing regularly for Shaun Maloney's side in League One. There is likely to be interest in another loan next season, whether from the Latics or elsewhere, but Alonso may well see the 19-year-old as part of his plans if he moves to Anfield.
According to The Mail, Alonso and Leverkusen held talks over a loan swoop for Chambers last summer. It failed to materialise, though... not that the German side have suffered too much.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Leverkusen remain unbeaten in all competitions this term and hold a 10-point lead over title challengers Bayern Munich with nine games remaining. Their 2-0 win over Wolfsburg on Sunday was a sixth on the spin, while Alonso's side can also progress to the Europa League quarter-finals by beating Qarabag at home on Thursday.
Chambers played four times for Liverpool before Christmas, including starts against Toulouse and Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. Since moving to the DW Stadium in January he has excelled while providing an option on the left flank or as a left-sided centre-back in a 3-4-3 set-up which has more than a bit in common with Alonso's preferred formation in Germany.
Should Liverpool use Luke Chambers more often next season? Have your say in the comments section
Luke Chambers has been impressing on loan at Wigan (CameraSport via Getty Images)There are still questions over what Alonso will do next, with suggestions he may prefer to stay at the BayArena for a Champions League campaign. If the Spaniard is to move to Anfield, though, Klopp has insisted replacing him at the helm won't be an impossible task.
“I really think it is the perfect moment for a new manager and not the wrong one because we didn’t win everything, we left spaces," Klopp said ahead of Liverpool's weekend draw with Manchester City. "Go at City after Pep Guardiola and you need to be champion ten years in a row to achieve the same.
“The people here are different. The people gave Bill Shankly the chance, and what came after Bill Shankly, and they are all bigger than we are, and the people will understand in the end that this was a fantastic time and we all enjoyed it like hell.
“What a ride. But I am 100 per cent sure that what they learned over the years is if we trust and we push then everything is possible. This team will attract top class managers, 100 per cent.
“I came in at the right moment because it got lost a little bit and maybe I was the one who helped everyone to understand again how important it is. The club is special. Not because of the buildings – other clubs have nice stadiums – but because of the people.”
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
