Liverpool continues to be linked with Xabi Alonso as its next manager. The Bayer Leverkusen boss is being tipped to sign two of his current players if he takes over.
Xabi Alonso’s stock couldn’t be higher right now as his Bayer Leverkusen side goes in search of an incredible unbeaten campaign across all competitions.
The Spaniard only took charge of Leverkusen last season but his side is among the most impressive to watch across Europe right now.
Leverkusen sits 10 points clear at the top of Bundesliga with eight games to go, is through to the last four of the German Cup, and will face West Ham in the Europa League quarter-finals.
(Image: (Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images))
There is a real possibility that Alonso leads his side to the treble amid continued speculation over his future, though Liverpool will hope to come out on top in Europe.
The 42-year-old remains the favorite to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield and there is a scenario where the German’s final match in charge is against the man who replaces him. There is a lot that must happen before that with Liverpool yet to make a formal approach, while Bayern Munich is also keen on Alonso as well.
It does appear that members of his Leverkusen squad will also be targeted by various big clubs for moves this summer after a remarkable campaign. And should Alonso take over at Liverpool, he could well look to bring in some players he knows and trusts.
According to HITC, Liverpool is particularly keen on defender Piero Hincapié and playmaker Florian Wirtz. The interest dates back to long before Klopp announced his exit though, with Hincapié targeted last summer.
Liverpool was keen to sign a left-sided defender and the 22-year-old, who joined Leverkusen for just $6.5m (£5.1m/€6m) in 2021, fitted the bill. His agent suggested the Reds instead prioritized midfield additions before the emergence of Jarell Quansah reduced the need for reinforcements.
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Speaking to Bolavip, agent Manuel Sierra said he expected that interest to be revisited in January but believed Leverkusen would demand close to $54m (£43m/€50m). That approach never came and Liverpool would likely have to pay even more to complete a deal this summer.
Wirtz meanwhile is enjoying a fantastic season, with only two players providing more assists across the entire Bundesliga. The 20-year-old has kicked on impressively under Alonso, having spent 10 months out after tearing his ACL before the Spaniard’s appointment.
It is claimed that Liverpool is one of the teams keen on signing the Germany international, who is contracted until 2027. SportBILD reported that Bayern, Real Madrid and Manchester City are all interested in Wirtz, although he may look to stay with Leverkusen for another year. Any deal won’t come cheap though, with Leverkusen tipped to demand close to $163m (£128m/€150m) for its prized asset.
Liverpool.com says: It is no surprise to see Leverkusen players linked with Liverpool and speculation will only increase if Alonso does take over from Klopp. The Bundesliga side is enjoying a fine campaign and Hincapié has been central to that on the left of a back three. You would expect Alonso to stick to the 3-4-3 formation at his next club and there are few more impressive in that role than the Ecuadorian right now.
Wirtz would be another fantastic addition and it does seem that he is destined to play for one of the top clubs in Europe after recovering from his injury problems. Signing him will be costly though and Liverpool would probably have to cash in on one of its forward options if it is to pursue a deal.