Very credible Paul Joyce reports on Thursday evening that Liverpool’s pursuit of Xabi Alonso appears to be over.
“It is unlikely that Alonso is on the final list of Jürgen Klopp’s successor. Liverpool believe the Spaniard will not be available this summer. The club has, after extensive work, come to this decision”.
He further writes that Liverpool’s thorough investigations have given an indication that Alonso will probably stay at Leverkusen for at least one more season in order to continue his success from this season. In the autumn, the Germans will, among other things, go out in the Champions League.
There are many indications that Florian Plettenberg in German Sky Sports was right when he reported that the Spaniard would probably not leave Germany. It also looks like Bayern Munich, who were heavily linked with him, will have to continue their coaching hunt, as will Liverpool.
The club’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, said earlier on Thursday that it would be almost impossible to get hold of Alonso this summer.
Will it be Amorim?
With Xabi Alonso probably out of the picture for Liverpool, of course the rumors about who the alternatives are are starting to pour in. Joyce mentions, among other things, Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, who has also been strongly linked to Anfield. The journalist also mentions Sunday’s opponent, Roberto De Zerbi.
“This strengthens the chance for the other candidates, Ruben Amorim, who is highly valued at Anfield, and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi”.
In Amorim’s case, he may not be a cheap man to get hold of. Joyce writes about a possible buyout clause of up to £17 million.
We had a chat about Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim in this week’s “Pausepraten” podcast (12:27 into the video).
