Hughes is a big admirer of Roberto De Zerbi in the search for next manager
Liverpool spent the last fortnight sorting out their upstairs departments, with hires of CEO of Football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, and now the Reds will set their sights on stepping up the renovation of the front of house.
And they are prepared to go to war with Bayern Munich, perhaps alongside other clubs in Europe’s elite, to get their man. Xabi Alonso remains the front-runner and Liverpool will fight for him despite noise in Germany that Bayern believe he is heading to Bavaria.
Reports in Germany have suggested that Alonso would prefer to stay in the Bundesliga but Liverpool have had little indication to lower their expectations. Instead, they will do battle with Bayern as both appear to have made Alonso their No 1 candidate.
The two clubs will battle and make pitches for Alonso and the manager himself will have the final say on his next destination, if he chooses to leave league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. He is not expected to be swayed by finances and will make his decision based on football matters.
Interestingly, both clubs are also keen on Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, too. New sporting director Hughes is a massive fan of the Italian and tried to bring him to Bournemouth when Scott Parker left the club two years ago, only for an ownership lag to thwart this charge.
Hughes grew up playing in the Atalanta academy - coincidentally who Liverpool play next in the Europa League - and came up against De Zerbi many times in youth football when he was plying his trade for AC Milan’s colts.
De Zerbi has long been mentioned as a potential successor for Jurgen Klopp, albeit noise slightly died down during a tough start to 2024 for Brighton. But he will certainly be considered as part of the shortlist
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