Xabi Alonso will not become the next Liverpool manager this summer, and according to a top German journalist it was a dream reunion which never stood a chance.
The news filtered through on Thursday evening that Alonso was unlikely to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, with the Spanish coach confirming his stay at the BayArena on Friday afternoon.
That devastating news wrecked the dreams of many Liverpool fans, who had hoped the club’s former midfielder would return to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp.
ALONSO, AND WHY LIVERPOOL NEVER STOOD A CHANCE
One man who was far from surprised though was Sky Germany football reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims Alonso to Liverpool has been dead in the water for a long long time. If it ever got off the ground.
Writing on X, he said: “As always reported: If Xabi Alonso were to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, he would join FC Bayern. That was the clear information for all parties involved. Alonso decided some time ago not to move to LFC this summer.”
The battle for Alonso was always seen as a two-way fight between Liverpool and Bayern Munich, but the Bundesliga giants will also now have to look elsewhere for a new coach following Thomas Tuchel’s departure this summer.
Alonso will instead stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season and continue the excellent work he has done with Die Werkself to date.
However, it’s believed that Alonso has a release clause in his contract that becomes active during the 2025 summer window – a figure that will stand at around €15m.
RUBEN AMORIM NEW LIVERPOOL FAVOURITE
The Alonso bombshell leaves Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim as the new favourite to replace Klopp this summer. The other apparent front-runner is Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi.
According to reports from Portugal on Friday, the Reds are keen to speak to Amorim once the season ends and hold his work in Lisbon in high regard.