Ex-Reds great makes shock Liverpool call as new frontrunner emerges amid $24m twist
Liverpool’s hopes of luring Xabi Alonso back to Anfield were dashed on Friday with the Spaniard deciding to stay put at Bayer Leverkusen, who he has on course for a first ever Bundesliga title.
A Champions League winner during his time as a player at Liverpool, Alonso had been quickly installed as the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp after the German made his shock announcement in January that he will leave at the end of the season.
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Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is the new frontrunner with the bookmakers ahead of Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Should Liverpool decide Amorim is the man, they’ll have to stump up $AUD24.8 million to trigger his release clause from Sporting.
Alonso’s decision to remain with Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in 38 games in all competitions this season, ends Liverpool’s hopes his arrival would soften the blow of Klopp’s impending departure.
The Reds’ fortunes on and off the field have been transformed during Klopp’s eight-and-a-half years in charge.
Liverpool won their first league title for 30 years in 2020, a year after lifting the Champions League.
Klopp is on course to leave in a blaze of glory.
Liverpool are behind Premier League leaders Arsenal only on goal difference with 10 games to go.
They also lifted the League Cup last month and could yet face Alonso’s Leverkusen in the Europa League final with both sides into the last eight.
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