Xabi Alonso will announce his decision to remain at Bayern Leverkusen during their upcoming press conference scheduled for later today
The 42-year-old midfielder is set to address the public at 2 pm before his team’s Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim on Saturday. According to BILD, Xabi Alonso will reveal his choice to reject offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, opting to continue with the German club.
Liverpool will be heavily disappointed by the news, as Xabi Alonso, the former Reds midfielder, had been heavily linked with potentially replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. With Alonso’s decision to remain at Leverkusen, attention may now turn to Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as the frontrunner to take over at Liverpool.
Ruben Amorim, aged 39, is anticipated to be granted an interview with the Premier League giants, having performed strongly on Liverpool’s data tests. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s interest in recruiting Alonso could have been a strategic move to potentially unsettle Leverkusen’s title aspirations this season.
2-WAY FIGHT FOR ALONSO
Uli Hoeness, the president of Bayern Munich, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of bringing Xabi Alonso to Munich this year, stating it would be “probably impossible.”
With Bayern Munich seemingly out of the running, Liverpool’s recruitment drive, led by new sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of football Michael Edwards, now shifts focus to Ruben Amorim and De Zerbi. De Zerbi’s Brighton side is set to visit Anfield on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso, once considered Liverpool’s ideal target, has orchestrated a remarkable transformation at Bayer Leverkusen since his arrival in October 2022. Upon joining, Leverkusen found themselves in the relegation zone, but Alonso guided them into the top six.
In the current campaign, Leverkusen sits comfortably 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the season. Additionally, they have secured a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals for the second consecutive year.
This season has been historic for Leverkusen, with the team poised to clinch their first Bundesliga title unless a dramatic collapse occurs. Notably, they have conceded a mere 18 goals throughout this impressive journey.
WHO ARE THE ALTERNATIVES FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool’s focus now shifts to Ruben Amorim and De Zerbi, both standing out prominently on their shortlist with impressive credentials.
Amorim who was earlier listed by Sports Buddy as one of the top potential candidates to taken on the Manchester united manager seat if Erik Ten Hag is sacked by Manchester united is now in sight of United’s rivals.
Amorim has already demonstrated his prowess by guiding Sporting CP to a Portuguese league title and currently has them leading the table once more.
On the other hand, De Zerbi’s accomplishments include steering Brighton to a commendable sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season. Additionally, he guided them to the last 16 of the Europa League in their inaugural European campaign. As fate would have it, Brighton will face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, providing a unique opportunity for observation.
