WATCH: Viral video fuels HOPE of Xabi Alonso ‘returning’ to Liverpool amid Jurgen Klopp announcement 

Klopp will be leaving at the end of the season, Xabi Alonso has been a favorite to replace him.

WATCH: Viral video fuels HOPE of Xabi Alonso ‘returning’ to Liverpool amid Jurgen Klopp announcement 

Xabi Alonso has been touted as a favorite to replace Jurgen Klopp (Image via Goal and The Athletic)

Jurgen Klopp dropped a bombshell when he announced he was going to be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The news left fans distraught, with many emotional about his departure. With his departure, many fans were left wondering who would be the perfect replacement. 

Fans, media, and pundits saw one player as a possible successor, and it was Xabi Alonso. Alonso currently is the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, who are top of the league with no losses. The Spaniard used to play for the Reds, joining them in 2004. As a player, Alonso won the Champions League and FA Cup during his 5-year stint in Merseyside. 

YouTube video

With fans believing Alonso is the best option to replace Jurgen Klopp, an old video of his from 2018 resurfaced. He was speaking to Guillem Baggue, a well-known football author, about his management future. When asked about the possibility of managing Liverpool, Alonso admitted it was a dream. 

FS Video
Yeah for sure I have dreamt of that. First, I have to prove myself and to prepare. If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment and my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We’ll see if we can cross paths in our ways. 
Xabi Alonso to Guillem Baggue

Call it fate or coincidence, Xabi Alonso had to face the press just hours after Klopp announced his departure. He was questioned regarding his interest in moving to Merseyside, but Alonso said he was happy at Leverkusen and hasn’t decided yet on his future. 

At the moment, I am really happy here and enjoying my work here. I'm feeling each day and each game is a challenge and we are in an intense but beautiful journey here in Leverkusen and I am trying to give my best to help my players be ready for the next thing, and that's my goal. What will come next, I don't know.
Xabi Alonso on a possible move to Liverpool

Xabi Alonso’s special clause 

When Xabi Alonso originally joined Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, he signed a contract that would run till 2024. After a great first season, he extended his contract till 2026, but there was a clause added regarding which teams he could leave by 2025. 

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso during a Legends match. (Image via Liverpool)

According to many reports, his contract had a clause in which he could leave for former clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. This clause can only be activated if it is done in the summer of 2025, a year before his contract ends.

Leverkusen CEO, Fernando Carro, denied the existence of such a clause, adding that Alonso is in a serious club and they have a good relationship. But he didn’t deny the fact that the manager could leave before his contract expired, adding that the club wasn’t going to force someone to stay against their will. 

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