Alonso 'may wait' for Klopp Liverpool exit despite Real Madrid interest

Stuart Telford

• 8 Dec 2023 20:05 GMT
• 3 min read

Xabi Alonso has been tipped to return to Liverpool over Real Madrid by fellow Reds legend Steve McManaman - although Bayern Munich could prove his most likely next destination.

Alonso has become a hot topic at all three of his former clubs after his impressive start to the season with Bayer Leverkusen - steering Die Werkself to the top of the Bundesliga after 13 games played.

Leverkusen have yet to taste defeat this season and a number of their players, from Florian Wirtz to Jeremie Frimpong, have been linked with big-money moves away from the BayArena.

But Alonso could be poached first. He has become the frontrunner to replace Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid if the Italian takes the vacant Brazil manager's job. But McManaman is optimistic the Spaniard might wait for an Anfield return.

Alonso 'may wait that extra year'

"Real Madrid will cast their net wide and look at managers that play the right style of football, but I think Xabi at this moment in time is catching the eye more than anybody else," he told Betfred.

"I know that Bayern Munich are very interested in him as well because Thomas Tuchel's reputation there isn't amazing…

"He may personally want the Liverpool job and wait an extra year to see if that position becomes available. It all depends on how happy his ex-clubs are with their managers at this moment in time…"

Klopp has publicly insisted that he is still committed to the Liverpool job, however, and has steered his side to second in the Premier League table, two points behind Arsenal after 15 games played, despite having to overhaul his midfield last summer.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left for the Saudi Pro League, with Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai coming in from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively.