A twist in the tale. It was reported that Xabi Alonso, 43, favored Bayern Munich over Liverpool. However, this has since been reversed and it has been claimed that Liverpool is the favorite.
“Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has not yet made a decision about his future,” the British website TeamTalk claimed on June 6 (KST), citing the German website Bild.
“Alonso has not told Bayern Munich that he prefers Munich to Liverpool,” the report said, adding, “Leverkusen will demand a transfer fee for Alonso, but they have not discussed a specific amount.”
This denies a report from Germany’s Sky Sports on Friday. The media outlet reported that “Xabi Alonso is Bayern Munich’s favorite candidate to succeed Thomas Tuchel” and that “the two sides have held initial talks and Alonso has given a more positive signal to join Munich.” The news was also of interest to Korean fans, as Munich are the club of Kim Min-jae.
Liverpool is looking for Jürgen Klopp’s successor. On January 26, Klopp shockingly announced on the club’s official website that he was “running out of energy” and that he would be leaving at the end of the season. Thank you Liverpool,” he said in a shock resignation announcement on the club’s official website.
Klopp, who took over at Liverpool in October 2015 in the middle of the 2015-2016 season, is under contract until the summer of 2026. However, Klopp’s sudden decision to step down has left Liverpool scrambling to find their next manager.
Liverpool’s next manager has been linked with the likes of Sporting CP (Portugal)’s Hubeng Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
However, Liverpool’s first priority is Xabi Alonso. Xabi Alonso is leading Leverkusen to the top of the German Bundesliga. They are unbeaten in 34 games in all competitions this season and will look to end Bayern Munich’s 12-game losing streak.
What’s more, Xabi Alonso is a Liverpool legend himself. He played midfield for the Reds from 2004 to 2009 before leaving for Real Madrid, where he won the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League (UCL).
Thomas Tuchel has also decided to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The Bavarians are facing the prospect of relegation after their 12th consecutive league title was effectively snapped, and Tuchel was feeling the pressure and decided to end his contract early. Tuchel’s discord with some of his players also became a problem.
Munich also reportedly have a favorite in Xabi Alonso. Some local media outlets claimed that Munich rushed to part ways with Tuchel in order to secure Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool were disheartened to hear that Xavi preferred Munich. However, a day later, the tables were turned. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri also “liked” Bild’s article.
“Alonso is getting closer to Liverpool,” Tavolieri wrote on social media last week, “Xabi Alonso has made his mind clear after speaking with the Liverpool board. Even if Bayern make a move, it is unlikely that he will stay in the Bundesliga for another year.”
Team Talk has also detailed that Liverpool are in talks to sign Xabi Alonso to a three-year contract. Citing insiders, the publication emphasized that the first talks with Xabi Alonso began in late February and went positively.
“Even if they sign Alonso, Klopp will wait to announce it until the end of the season,” the publication said, adding that “there is no buyout clause for Alonso and Leverkusen.”