Liverpool are continuing to keep tabs on upcoming managers for when Jurgen Klopp’s contract expires in 2026.
Liverpool’s plans of replacing Jurgen Klopp with club legend Xabi Alonso have been dealt a major blow by Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro. The Reds have reportedly already been assessing candidates to become their next manager, with numerous options around Europe being explored.
Klopp has enjoyed an impressive reign as Liverpool’s manager, and the thought of parting ways with the German boss will strike fear into the hearts of supporters. The 56-year-old is contracted to the Merseyside outfit until 2026 after penning an extension last year, and Klopp will be hoping to add to his silverware cabinet in that time.
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi are among the bookmaker’s favourites to succeed Klopp in the Anfield dugout, though ex-midfielder Alonso is also a strong candidate to fill the vacancy.
The Spaniard is thriving as Bayer Leverkusen manager, with his side unbeaten in their opening 11 matches of the season – winning 10 of those games. Alonso has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the future as a result, with speculation brewing that there is a specific clause in his contract to facilitate such a move.
Xabi Alonso is earning plenty of plaudits with Leverkusen (Image: Getty)
However, Leverkusen chief Carro has shut down those reports, claiming that there are no exit mechanisms for any specific clubs. Asked whether there were any clauses, Carro said: “No, but you don’t need a clause.
“We have a very, very good relationship with Xabi and he knows we are a serious club. And at the end of the day, we’re not going to force someone to stay if he doesn’t want to stay.
Jurgen Klopp is contracted to Liverpool until 2026 (Image: Getty)
“We want him to feel so happy and so good with us that he really only wants to stay and this is our objective… There is nothing on paper [allowing Xabi to leave for a former club]. But sometimes agreements that are not on paper are agreements as well.
“We know if he needs to do a move in the future we will be able to talk with each other. And I hope we will not need to do this because he will stay and be happy at Leverkusen.” Alonso has also been heavily linked with succeeding Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid at the end of the season, with the former Everton boss expected to become Brazil’s national team’s manager.
