Fabrizio Romano has shared details of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ which could leave the door open for Liverpool to bring one ex-Anfield favourite back to Merseyside.

Journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GIVEMESPORT that Xabi Alonso is ‘turning heads’ at his former club off the back of a remarkable 13 months at Bayer Leverkusen, taking over with them 17th in the Bundesliga and guiding them to the top of the table at present.

Jurgen Klopp’s contract runs to 2026, and only an unfathomable turn of events would see him depart before then such is his standing at LFC, but that hasn’t quelled speculation regarding the identity of his eventual successor.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano explained that the 42-year-old doesn’t have a formal release clause in his deal at Leverkusen, but rather a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ which may allow one of three former clubs in Liverpool, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid to secure his services at a reduced rate.

The Italian outlined: “Alonso is a fantastic manager, and it’s no surprise to see links with other clubs now, though I’m told there is no proper release clause in his contract.

“There is nothing official for other clubs to trigger – I’m told it’s just a gentleman’s agreement between Alonso and the Leverkusen board. Alonso was on the list of some clubs this summer, but Leverkusen insisted he was staying, but that they would let him go to a top, top club in the future.

“Alonso will be the one with the final decision, and he will make that decision in the summer, but there is no normal release clause, so it’s about convincing Alonso, rather than paying a formal release clause to Leverkusen.”

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This revelation from Romano could provide Liverpool with a tremendous opportunity to exploit if they want to bring Alonso back to Anfield, although there’s a danger that Bayern or Real Madrid could get to him first.

The Bavarian club can be a volatile hotbed where managers are under enormous pressure as a matter of course, while Carlo Ancelotti has been touted to leave the Bernabeu at the end of this season, thus leaving a vacancy to be filled in the dugout.

Merseyside chiefs may be secretly hoping that, if the 42-year-old goes to one of those clubs after Leverkusen, they’ll dispense with him by the time Klopp’s current deal ends in 2026.

Right now, Alonso’s managerial stock could hardly be higher off the back of the remarkable work he’s doing in Germany, with his side already scoring an incredible tally of 62 goals in all competitions this term while conceding only 14 (Romano).

Whoever eventually takes over from Klopp will have an extremely hard act to follow at Anfield, but few would likely be as well received and given as much leeway by the fan base as the Spaniard, given his excellent form as a manager and his genius as a former Reds player.

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As Liverpool fans alternate their time between pulsating football matches and thrilling sessions at live baccarat online casino games, there’s a growing buzz about a familiar face making waves in the managerial world.

Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, now turned manager, is the subject of much discussion, especially after journalist Ben Jacobs’ revelations to GIVEMESPORT about his potential future with the Reds.

Alonso’s Bundesliga ambitions

The story of the Spaniard and Bayer Leverkusen reads like a fairy tale.

When the ex-professional footballer took the helm at Leverkusen a little over a year ago, the club was mired in a relegation battle.

Fast forward to the present, and the transformation is nothing short of miraculous. Leverkusen, once a team struggling to stay afloat, is now a powerhouse in German football, thanks to Alonso’s strategic acumen.

This season, they’re not just participants in the Bundesliga; they’re leaders, dominating the league with a style and finesse that has become synonymous with their coach’s name.

The team, cruising at the top of the table, has its sights set firmly on the Meisterschale, a testament to his remarkable impact.

Plenty of interested suitors

Alonso’s success has not gone unnoticed. His name is now whispered in the corridors of power across Europe’s top football clubs.

Real Madrid, always keen on bringing the best talents to the Bernabeu, reportedly see him as a potential successor to their current manager, Carlo Ancelotti.

But it’s not just Madrid casting glances in his direction. Liverpool, his former club and a place where he’s still held in high regard, might also be considering a future with the 41-year-old at the helm.

Ben Jacobs on Alonso

In a detailed conversation with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs shed light on Alonso’s burgeoning reputation.

Jacobs emphasized that while everyone is talking about the manager’s future prospects, the man himself remains focused on his current role at Bayer Leverkusen. This focus and dedication are what have skyrocketed his value in the managerial market.

Alonso’s connection with Liverpool runs deep, not just because of his contributions on the field but also because of the affinity he shares with the club’s fans.

His role in Liverpool’s 2004/05 Champions League triumph has etched him permanently into the hearts of the Kop. Jacobs hinted that he could be the perfect fit to fill the shoes of Jurgen Klopp, should the opportunity arise.

What next for Jurgen Klopp

The German tactician’s contract with Liverpool is ticking towards its end, and speculation is rife about who might step into his considerable shoes.

The contract, set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season, poses a critical question for Alonso: Is he willing to wait for the Liverpool job, or will his career take him elsewhere?

Since taking over Leverkusen, the former Spanish international’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. This rapid ascent could mean that waiting over two seasons for a chance at Liverpool might not align with his career trajectory.

A potential opening at Anfield might hinge on Klopp deciding to leave before his contract expires – a scenario that currently seems unlikely.

Alonso’s managerial philosophy and tactics

Alonso’s approach to management reflects his playing style – intelligent, calculated, and always a few steps ahead.

He has instilled a sense of belief and tactical flexibility in his Leverkusen squad. His philosophy hinges on ball control, spatial awareness, and a blend of defensive solidity and offensive creativity.

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Liverpool have had some of the best players in the world represent us but Micah Richards has criticised the achievements of two of them.

Speaking on the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast, the former defender said: “They should’ve done more, Alonso and Gerrard, and Mascherano as well – they had all three of them…

“And you just think with that midfield they should have done more”.

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Seeing as both Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso won the Champions League during their time at Anfield, as was pointed out by Alan Shearer, they certainly didn’t end their careers empty handed.

We all would have liked to have seen the Reds win the Premier League during this era but they certainly contributed a lot to us and have the winners’ medals to prove it.

You can watch Richards’ comments on Gerrard and Alonso via @BBCMOTD on X:

Xabi Alonso Steven Gerrard

An incredible duo, but @MicahRichards reckons they should've achieved more!

Agree? #MOTDTop10 pic.twitter.com/G5jW4Sxbeo

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 16, 2023

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There seems to be – or at the very least has been – a consensus of sorts regarding Alexis Mac Allister’s ability to play the No.6 role.

Some fans have suggested that the Argentine simply doesn’t have the tools to be Liverpool’s first-choice holding midfield for the foreseeable future.

Running in tandem with reports around the Reds’ perceived interest in Andre Trindade of Fluminense, the expectation was that Jurgen Klopp’s men would land a new signing in January to free ‘Macca’.

But has our No.10 really been so poor as to justify the club’s recruitment team searching for a new No.6?

What do the numbers say?

Comparing Mac Allister’s numbers to those of Manchester City’s Rodri – arguably the league’s current premier holding midfielder – the former Brighton man isn’t being completely shown up by the stats.

Liverpool are conceding at a rate of 0.8 goals a game when the 24-year-old is on the pitch compared to City’s 0.6 this term when his Sky Blues counterpart is available, as per Transfermarkt.

◉ Bruno Fernandes – 7
◉ Casemiro – 6
◉ Mason Mount – 4
◎ Conor Gallagher – 3
◎ Alexis Mac Allister – 3
◎ Yves Bissouma – 2
◎ Declan Rice – 2
◎ Rodri – 1

Selected midfielders that have been dribbled past in the Premier League this season. pic.twitter.com/tdmWhkGcPW

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 22, 2023

There are, of course, stats available that go somewhat deeper into each player’s relative importance in the holding midfield role.

Our summer signing contributes more tackles (2.76), blocks (2.35) and interceptions (1.43) per 90 this season than either Rodri or, indeed, Declan Rice, and comes a close second with 7.35 recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

Where the numbers do critically differ to support the aforementioned consensus, however, is in the realm of possession – a key area, it has to be said, for a side transitioning to more possession-based football.

Whilst carrying the ball, Mac Allister has seen himself dispossessed a whopping 11 times in the Premier League this season. That’s three more than Rice (8) and almost double Rodri’s tally (6).

Interestingly, though the £35m signing does appear a more successful challenger out of possession, our World Cup winner completes double the number of unsuccessful attempts to challenge a dribbler (1.94) than his City (0.88) and Gunners (0.88) counterparts.

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What alternatives could Liverpool pursue in the market?

Fluminense’s Andre has been touted as a potential solution in the January market, though it remains to be seen whether that remains the case following reports that the club is considering alternative options.

If not the Copa Libertadores winner, then who?

To answer that question, Liverpool may need to ask a favour from one of their beloved former players in Xabi Alonso.

Mac Allister will be familiar with our next suggestion in his international teammate, and Bayer Leverkusen star, Exequiel Palacios.

The 25-year-old isn’t as reliable a duel-winner as Andre, though certainly appears the superior option in that regard to our own resident holding midfielder.

It explains, in part, Leverkusen’s remarkable defensive record in 2023/24, with Alonso’s side having conceded only once more (10) than the German top-flight’s best defence in Bayern Munich (9), joint with RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga midfielder boasts a higher pass completion rate this term (91.9% vs 87.7%) from a higher total attempted per 90 (100.3 vs 72.8).

Intriguingly, Palacios has only been dispossessed on three occasions compared to Mac Allister’s 11.

A feasible transfer?

We said Liverpool would have to call in a favour, didn’t we? And boy oh boy, would that be a FAVOUR and a half!

The German top-flight outfit has very recently agreed a contract extension with their star midfielder to keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.

Whilst we’re on the subject, reliable Bundesliga reporter Christian Falk said this about the player back in September (via CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing): “At Leverkusen they’re very clear that they don’t want any more exits from the club – and that includes Exequiel Palacios despite rumours around Liverpool. Piero Hincapie is another player considered ‘not for sale’.

“Leverkusen are doing very well in the Bundesliga and Palacios is a part of Xabi Alonso’s plans for the campaign.”

Leverkusen will, of course, demand top, top dollar for his services, even if the player’s head were to be turned by the possibility of a January move.

Football Transfers’ transfer valuation system puts Palacios’ value at between £19.1m-£31.9m. Frankly, though, we’d be astonished if the actual price tag wasn’t at least double the highest end of that range.

£60m-plus is a serious amount of money for us to spend after forking out £145.7m for Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Wataru Endo in the summer.

Ultimately, our very own Argentine sensation isn’t performing poorly despite a handful of instances this season exposing his limited recovery pace.

It’s worth highlighting too that it’s remarkable how strong his numbers are despite finding himself in a brand-new midfield at times when Curtis Jones has been unavailable.

It suggests that we shouldn’t be sharpening our pitchforks in a bid to push our coaching staff to shove Mac Allister higher up the pitch just yet (even if his abilities would lend well to a more advanced role).

That said, if the club still remains keen on the prospect of bolstering the midfield once more in January, they could do far worse than going all out for the potentially uber-pricey option of Exequiel Palacios.

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It’s not an eventuality Liverpool fans will want to consider for a plethora of reasons, but Jurgen Klopp will one day depart.

The pertinent question at that point will be: Who on earth is qualified to replace one of the greatest managers in the Reds’ bejewelled history?

Step forward, Xabi Alonso, perhaps?

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen have an identical record after 11 games this season as Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich did in 2015/16. Bayern went on to win the league that season:

11 games
10 wins
1 draw
0 defeats
31 points
1st in the table

Incredible work. pic.twitter.com/97bSvMDjdH

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 15, 2023

The Spaniard has yet to lose a game in the German top-flight this season, matching Pep Guardiola’s record with Bayern from 2015/16, as per @StatmanDave’s tweet on X.

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Is Xabi Alonso Madrid-bound?

According to reliable reports from Germany, our former Red’s current terms with Leverkusen would allow him to shake hands on a switch to one of his former clubs – including Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s future in the Spanish capital far from certain amid ongoing speculation, it’s possible that the La Liga giants could turn to one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.

We’d be far from likely to have any say in the matter with Jurgen Klopp’s current terms set to keep him at L4 until the summer of 2026. Though, if anything, we’d imagine much of the fanbase would be keen to extend that period even further – and rightly so!

Perhaps one day we could reunite Alonso with his old home in Merseyside, though that day looks to be increasingly far off into the future.

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While Liverpool were running out 3-0 winners over Brentford today, one former Reds midfielder channeled his inner Xabi Alonso with a stupendous winning goal elsewhere.

Just five minutes into the Turkish Super Lig clash between Caykur Rizespor and Istanbulspor, the deadlock was broken in some style when Jonjo Shelvey took possession just inside his own half and, spotting the opposition goalkeeper off his line, took aim at the goal.

The ball sailed obligingly over the head of David Jensen and into the visitors’ net, and it proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

Alonso twice netted from inside his own half during his Liverpool days, and it seems that the Spaniard’s knack for a long-range goal rubbed off on another former Reds midfielder!

You can view Shelvey’s eye-catching goal below, via @beINSPORTS_TR on Twitter/X:

Jonjo Shelvey, kendi yarı sahasından topu ağlarla buluşturdu! #ÇRSvİST #TrendyolSüperLig pic.twitter.com/GHS68ub3a8

— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) November 12, 2023

The post (Video) Ex-Liverpool midfielder embraces his inner Xabi Alonso with extraordinary winning goal appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool fans who watched Xabi Alonso pinging inch-perfect passes across the Anfield turf for five years in the 2000s won’t be surprised to see that he’s still got that ability in his locker.

In a clip shared on Bayer Leverkusen’s Twitter/X channel, the now-manager of the Bundesliga club was seen hitting a long-range pass to one of his players with extreme precision and finesse, and it looked even more remarkable from the camera angle at which it was captured.

The social media team at the BayArena posted the footage in response to a tweet from the official UEFA Champions League account which showed a compilation of jaw-dropping passes from the former Reds midfielder in his playing days.

The 41-year-old hasn’t played professionally since 2017, but his training ground artistry suggests that he’d still look at home in among current players.

You can view Alonso’s sumptuous training pass below, via @bayer04_en on Twitter/X:

Ping. ‍#Bayer04 #Werkself | @XabiAlonso https://t.co/ogFenGggj0 pic.twitter.com/jTrjFZASXf

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) October 16, 2023

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The day will inevitably come when Jurgen Klopp calls time on an illustrious career at the helm of Liverpool Football Club.

What comes next is a dilemma that’s sure to age decision-makers at FSG by several years as they attempt to maintain the club’s upward trajectory.

The decision, however, could be made all the more easier should they be given the opportunity to appoint Xabi Alonso, with BILD reporting that the Spaniard has a clause in his contract which would allow him to join one of the Reds, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid starting from next summer.

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As far as we’re concerned here at Empire of the Kop, we’d be over the moon if our German tactician fancied extending his stay at L4 well beyond 2026.

Either way, we don’t expect Klopp to depart Merseyside before that point, which could hand either one of Alonso’s remaining former clubs all the opportunity they need to snap him up as their next head coach.

Sadly, there’s a very real possibility that this will occur next term, amid reports that Real Madrid are keen on making the now Bayer Leverkusen boss their next head coach.

Should we find ourselves in need of a new manager come the summer of 2026, however, and the former Spanish international should be accessible for John W. Henry and Co., it could save Fenway several months’ worth of stress!

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The post FSG may be spared Jurgen Klopp nightmare as contract clause details emerge appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

According to reports from Germany, Liverpool are one of three clubs with whom Xabi Alonso has an ‘agreement’ regarding a potential managerial stint in the future.

SportBILD claimed [via Sport Witness] that the 41-year-old has a clause in his contract at Bayer Leverkusen which’d allow him to depart next summer if the Reds – or two of his other alma maters in Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – were to offer him the manager’s job.

The hierarchy at the BayArena are ‘currently doing everything then can to satisfy their coach, believing that they are on the path to success with him in charge’, although the LaLiga giants are already reported to have eyed him up as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at the Bernabeu.

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Of the three clubs involved in the reported agreement, Liverpool probably seem the least likely to hire Alonso next summer.

Ancelotti’s contract in Madrid expires in 2024, with the ex-Chelsea boss touted to take the Brazil national team job, while Thomas Tuchel could possibly be on thin ice at Bayern amid claims that honorary president Uli Hoeness ‘continues to stir up managerial winds behind the scenes’ in Munich.

By contrast, Jurgen Klopp is contracted at Anfield until 2026 and has a mountain of credit in the bank among the fan base.

However, even if Alonso were to take the manager’s job at the Bernabeu or Allianz Arena next year, there’s still a good chance that he’d ultimately take over from the current Liverpool boss on Merseyside.

Real Madrid and Bayern have both sacked coaches in the past despite them leading – or even winning – their domestic league, a cut-throat culture which is in marked contrast to that at LFC.

By the time Klopp goes in 2026 (as per the current plan), Alonso may well be on the market again if one of his other previous clubs both hires and fires him in the meantime, and he’d very likely be given the scope to properly make his mark in the Anfield dugout.

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Xabi Alonso has inevitably been heavily linked with the Real Madrid job as rumours swirl over the possibility of Carlo Ancelotti calling time on his second spell at the Bernabeu.

In comments relayed on X by Fabrizio Romano, the incumbent Los Blancos boss admitted he himself wouldn’t be opposed to seeing the Spaniard take over the reins in the Spanish capital.

Ancelotti on Xabi Alonso to Real links: “I have coached Xabi, he’s doing a great job at Bayer”.

“He understands the game well, that’s why he’s very good coach”.

“I wish Xabi Alonso, Raul, Alvaro Arbeloa to become Real Madrid's manager one day. I love all of them”. pic.twitter.com/kPfhdVaBvB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2023

With Jurgen Klopp’s current terms set to expire in 2026 – at the same time as the former Liverpool midfielder’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen – one has to wonder what impact this will have on FSG’s potential succession plans.

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The dreaded question FSG must ask

What will come next after Jurgen Klopp?

It’s almost certain that there will be a drop-off of some kind once our German tactician decides he’s achieved all he can in Merseyside.

If it were up to us, of course, there’d never be an end in sight for Klopp at Liverpool, unrealistic a dream as that may be.

We still shouldn’t rule out the possibility that ‘Liverpool 2.0’ can keep the 55-year-old fulfilled well beyond his current 2026 end date, regardless of the temptation posed by managing his country in international tournaments.

When the likes of Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister are beginning to nose into their peaks in club football, won’t it be hard to say goodbye? Or will Jurgen see it as an ideal opportunity to hand over the torch well ahead of a prospective rebuild several years beyond that point?

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A long-range, first-time effort against Aston Villa to set the tone for what was a dominant (beyond expectations) performance against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa was the latest party trick from Dominik Szoboszlai to inspire comparisons with legendary No.8 Steven Gerrard.

The comparisons are slightly wide of the mark, if not completely wide of the directory of players to have previously pulled on the famous red shirt, according to Neil Jones who has nodded, instead, to a former midfield partner of the now Al-Ettifaq manager in Xabi Alonso.

“He may have taken over Steven Gerrard’s shirt at Anfield, but Szoboszlai’s early impact is reminiscent of that made by another Reds midfield maestro of that era,” the reporter wrote for Covering Liverpool on Substack. “It is nearly two decades now since Xabi Alonso arrived on Merseyside and immediately began wowing us with his poise and his class, and four games into his Reds career, Szoboszlai is already doing something similar.”

The Spaniard’s arrival at Anfield in 2004 marked a fresh start for the Merseysiders, with the former Real Sociedad man injecting creative and, some might forget, defensive quality into Rafa Benitez’s side.

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The Hungarian (on a reported £120,000-a-week, according to Capology) has shown he’s more than capable of filling the defensive void left by ex-skipper Jordan Henderson following his switch to Saudi football, supporting the right flank to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold the licence to roam into midfield without consequence.

With an evident goal threat that exceeds what the Englishman had in his locker, however, it very much seems we have quite the upgrade on several accounts in the right central midfield role.

At 22 years of age, the world is very much Szoboszlai’s oyster and we’ll be excited to see how he interprets his role at Liverpool in the long run.

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Neil Jones has compared the initial impact made by Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool to an Anfield favourite from the 2000s.

The Hungarian has taken no time at all to settle in on Merseyside since his £60m move from RB Leipzig in July (BBC Sport), drawing praise from many observers and scoring his first goal for the Reds in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to Empire of the Kop’s Substack, the journalist drew comparisons between the 22-year-old’s first few games for LFC and a player harking back to Rafael Benitez’s time in charge of the club.

Jones said of Szoboszlai: “To be honest, his kind of impact reminds me a little bit of (and it’s a different type of player and era, of course) Xabi Alonso when he first came to Liverpool in 2004.

“In his first couple of games, it just felt like he took the team up a level; he’d pass the ball a bit sharper, snap into tackles a bit stronger… it didn’t take long for people to realise ‘oh my god, we’ve got a class player!’

“I think it’s very similar with Szoboszlai. You can see he’s really in tune with what Anfield likes and what Jurgen Klopp expects of him. Keep him fit, keep him firing.

“There’ll be bumps to come in the road ahead I’m sure, there’ll be some tough away games and things like that, but you’re looking at Szoboszlai at 22 years of age and the sort of money they’ve paid – you have to say Liverpool have got in a real good one there.”

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For Szoboszlai to already be eliciting comparisons to Alonso is an extremely good portent of things to come from the Hungary playmaker.

During his five years at Liverpool under Benitez, the Spanish midfielder (now Bayer Leverkusen coach) mesmerised the Kop with his sumptuous vision and range of passing, while also offering the tenacity to get stuck into tackles and win duels regularly (lfchistory.net).

A member of the 2005 Champions League-winning side, the now 41-year-old netted 18 times in 210 appearances for the Reds (Transfermarkt), with two of his goals coming from inside his own half of the pitch.

Alonso has hands down been one of the best midfielders LFC have had in the Premier League era, and if Szoboszlai goes on to sprinkle as much stardust as Anfield as the Spaniard did in his prime, he’ll depart the club as something of a legend.

Like Jones says, it’s still very early days in the Hungarian’s Liverpool career and there will surely be testing moments along the way, but everything up to this point suggests that he’ll meet those challenges head-on and overcome them to become an integral figure in Klopp’s first XI.

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Christian Falk believes Xabi Alonso’s next club could be Liverpool but it’s currently looking more likely that the Spaniard will head to Real Madrid to replace Carlo Ancelotti next year.

Jurgen Klopp’s current deal at Anfield expires in the summer of 2026 and the German tactician has previously suggested that he’ll then call it a day on Merseyside.

Alonso, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful first campaign in charge of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen with him guiding the side away from the drop zone and securing Europa League qualification after taking charge in October last year.

“We believe Xabi Alonso is the number one option to replace Carlo Ancelotti in 2024,” Falk told Caught Offside (via Rousing The Kop). “I think at the moment he is one of the biggest solutions and has the best chance to get this job.

“Everybody knows that Leverkusen could just be a step in between. They don’t know if it will be Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, one of his former clubs, but everyone knows that one of these clubs will be the next step. And at the moment, there’s just one club which is searching for a new manager in the near future and this is Real Madrid. This is his club and I think that Alonso wouldn’t say no if an offer came next year.”

READ MORE: Journo: Liverpool remain interested in further midfield signings this summer with as many as five names on Klopp’s shortlist

Ancelotti is out of contract in the Spanish capital next summer and with Alonso impressing in Germany they may already have their ideal replacement.

He will be eager to have another successful campaign with Leverkusen first, though, as he’s still learning his trade as a manager.

Although it’s good to plan in advance we have at least another two seasons of Klopp and Co. to enjoy before we need to worry too much about who will be next in the Anfield hot seat.

#Ep79 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Dominik Szoboszlai – a mix of De Bruyne/Gerrard/Zidane?

The post ‘Everyone knows’ – Falk suggests Liverpool could be ‘the next step’ in ex-Red’s managerial career appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

One of Liverpool’s up-and-coming prospects is believed to be attracting interest from the Bundesliga over a potential loan move.

According to The Athletic, Bayer Leverkusen ‘are understood to be one side having shown interest in’ Luke Chambers, who’s believed to be attracting suitors off the back of his performances in loan at Kilmarnock last season.

Of course, there’s an Anfield connection at the German club in the form of manager and ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, although English Championship duo Watford and Sheffield Wednesday are also cited as ‘possible locations for a move’.

Chambers is set to be assessed by Liverpool throughout pre-season before they make a decision on his immediate future.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer target’s reps fly to England to sound out EPL interest; he’s ‘waiting for signals’

READ MORE: ‘They can find a way…’ – Romano drops Romeo Lavia claim which’ll surely please Liverpool fans

With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas ahead of him in the left-back pecking order at Anfield, first-team opportunities are likely to be rather limited for the 19-year-old, so a loan move to a club befitting of his current stage of his development would appear a desirable option.

The step up from a relegation battle in the Scottish Premiership to playing in the Europa League and possibly pushing for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga would be a significant step up, but Alonso is showing plenty of promise during his fledgling managerial career.

Chambers mightn’t be overawed by a move to Leverkusen either, with his maturity apparent in declining a call-up to the Under-20 World Cup for England a couple of months ago as he opted to remain with Kilmarnock and help them in their ultimately successful top-flight survival bid (The Athletic).

He’s been described as ‘outstanding’ by Killie boss Derek McInnes, who also hailed the teenager for his defensive abilities and decision making on the ball (Liverpool Echo), so he could well have a very high ceiling.

It should do wonders for the young left-back’s development if he spends a season on loan in the Bundesliga and also gets to play in Europe, so it could be interesting to see if Leverkusen act upon their reported interest in the prodigious defender.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Lavia OR Thuram next? Why Newcastle DIDN’T come in for Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s difficult signing, and much more!

The post Xabi Alonso showing interest in loan swoop for ‘outstanding’ Liverpool prospect – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have reportedly put themselves in the mix to sign a defender from the Bundesliga, and they could seek to utilise a former Anfield connection in their attempts to lure him.

According to 90min, the Reds have asked to be kept informed of the situation regarding Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, along with Manchester United and Newcastle.

Tottenham currently appear to be in pole position to bring him to the Premier League, with talks already being held between the relevant parties and the player’s agents suggesting he’s indicated a willingness to join the north Londoners.

However, Spurs are wary of the interest from the other English trio, who unlike Ange Postecoglou’s side will be able to offer European football next season.

READ MORE: Italian outlet reveals bumper pay rise Liverpool have offered to Gabri Veiga to get him to Anfield

READ MORE: Christian Falk claims Liverpool are ‘of interest’ to £83k-p/w defender; they’ve spoken with agents

When it comes to battling with Premier League rivals for players from Leverkusen, Liverpool may feel they have a slight edge due to the presence of a former Anfield idol in Xabi Alonso in the dugout.

The Reds could duly aim to utilise that connection with the 41-year-old to try and persuade the Bundesliga side to sell to them rather than the other English clubs reportedly in the mix for Tapsoba.

The Burkina Faso centre-back could be a good fit for Jurgen Klopp’s backline, judging by an analysis from Breaking The Lines.

They stated that the 24-year-old is comfortable with playing in high-pressing defensive setups, a prerequisite for coming into this Liverpool side, and has adapted commendably to playing in a back three and a back four.

The former would suggest that he could easily cover plenty of space in the defensive third, something with which Ibrahima Konate struggled at times towards the end of last season as Trent Alexander-Arnold was pushed into a midfield role.

Also in Tapsoba’s favour in that regard is his pace, with Breaking The Lines highlighting how ‘his acceleration enables him to keep pace with speedy attackers’.

Liverpool’s immediate focus is likely to remain fixed on another one or two midfield additions, but if and when the time comes towards addressing the defence, the Leverkusen speedster could be a man to consider, and the pre-existing connections with Alonso could be worth exploiting.

Exclusive: Jacque Talbot’s Liverpool transfers update: Liverpool & Newcastle in for Kone, Thuram latest, likelihood of Lavia move… and more!

The post Liverpool put themselves in mix to sign 24y/o speedster; could utilise ex-Red connection – report appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.