Liverpool are a club in transition, both on and off the field of play.
Having recently confirmed Jurgen Klopp’s plans to leave the club at the end of the season, the Merseyside giants have been forced to restructure their backroom.
Despite seeing their earlier offers rejected, the Reds, thanks to ownership Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) persistence, have convinced transfer guru Michael Edwards to rejoin the club.
The 44-year-old, now FSG’s CEO of football, has been joined by new sporting director Richard Hughes with the club, via their official website, recently confirming the former Bournemouth technical director’s arrival.
And now, with the recruitment department’s ducks in a row, there is one final piece left in the puzzle for owner John W. Henry to find — Klopp’s replacement.
All Liverpool roads lead to Xabi Alonso
Several managers have already been heavily linked with taking the Anfield hot seat, including Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi and Germany’s national head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
However, one name remains a clear favourite and well ahead of the rest when it comes to fans’ preference — former midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
The ex-Real Madrid Galactico, who famously lifted the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool, has enjoyed a massive breakthrough since swapping his boots for a clipboard.
The retired 42-year-old is on the verge of guiding Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title. The Die Werkself are also unbeaten with just eight league games to go.
The Spaniard’s impeccable stint has predictably seen him surge to the top of the bookmakers’ list to replace Klopp, and echoing those suspicions, journalist Graeme Bailey believes the signing of the Leverkusen boss is next up on Liverpool’s to-do list.
“[Michael] Edwards and [Richard] Hughes in place – FSG’s plans are going very well,” he posted on X.
“Next stop…Xabi Alonso.”
During his first full season in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso, whose contract runs until the summer of 2026, has averaged 2.69 league points per game — phenomenal numbers for a coach still in the infancy of his managerial career.