Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has been linked to Liverpool since Jürgen Klopp announced his decision to leave the Reds at the end of this season.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel will step down after this season and the German club are also in the race for the Spaniard.
Friday’s Marca states Alonso has three options: Continue to Leverkusen, move to Bayern or replace Klopp at Liverpool.
It’s claimed the 42-year-old is the preferred candidate for Liverpool to become German’s successor. The newspaper states this is a ‘big responsibility’ for the manager and it isn’t clear if he’s willing to accept as of now.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to state that Liverpool were initially Alonso’s first choice. This was before Bayern took the lead by moving in quickly in the last few days with an improved offer.
Tavolieri claims Liverpool, who were closing in with his entourage, ‘dragged their feet a little’ when it came to the ‘nitty-gritty’ of negotiations. This has allowed the Bavarian club to take the lead.
He adds Alonso will make the final decision on his future at the end of this season.
Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg also took to X to state Alonso will move to Bayern if he leaves Leverkusen.
He claims the Spaniard ‘decided some time ago not to move to’ Liverpool.
🔴🇩🇪 #FCBayern now closing the gap on Liverpool over Xabi Alonso. Despite Xabi Alonso’s initial choice, Bayern Münich officials moved quickly these last days with an improved offer so Spanish coach’s side and are going now leading the race.
🏴 #LFC who was closing in on the… pic.twitter.com/uUa4WBQVwi— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) March 28, 2024
🚨As always reported: If Xabi #Alonso were to leave Bayer 04 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 ✔️
📍Alonso remains Bayern’s Plan A as Bayern has… pic.twitter.com/oW9bHC0Zsk
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 28, 2024
