Liverpool in talks with Xabi Alonso, with deal offered: report

Liverpool old boy Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer Leverkusen, applauds the fans following the team's victory during UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and BK Häcken at BayArena on September 21, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany.
(Image credit: Lukas Schulze/Getty Images)

Liverpool have reportedly offered Xabi Alonso a three-year deal as they step up efforts to land their number one managerial target. 

The former Reds midfielder has been at the top of the club’s shortlist of potential replacements for the outgoing Jurgen Klopp ever since the German confirmed he would be stepping down at Anfield at the end of the season. 

Alonso’s work at Bayer Leverkusen, who are eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga means that the 42-year-old is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe, with Bayern Munich also said to be tracking him as they look to replace the outgoing Thomas Tuchel. 

Thomas Tuchel of Bayern Muenchen looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Sport-Club Freiburg at Allianz Arena on October 8, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Alonso is on the radar to replace Thomas Tuchel (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to TEAMtalk, Alonso’s preference is to return to Anfield and replace Klopp, with positive talks between the Reds and Alonso’s representatives having already taken place. 

A three-year deal is said to be on the table, but any announcement would not come until Klopp has left Anfield in the summer. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates after his side's Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea in February 2024.

Jurgen Klopp is leaving Anfield (Image credit: Getty Images)

The report adds that Alonso does not see the Bayern Munich job as much of a step forward in his management career, given his success in the Bundesliga this season, where Leverkusen are on track for their first-ever league title. 

Bayern confirmed last week that former Chelsea boss Tuchel will be leaving the club this summer, a year earlier than planned as a part of a ‘sporting realignment’. 

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Joe Mewis

For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team.