LIVERPOOL could look a very different proposition under Xabi Alonso next season.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 42, is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp after the German shocked the footballing world by announcing he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.
The former Reds midfielder has led Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga as they seek a first title in their history.
And he could be preparing to bring THREE of his current squad with him to Merseyside.
Forward Florian Wirtz, left-back Alex Grimaldo and right-back Jeremie Frimpong could all follow Alonso to England.
Mo Salah was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer and could yet complete a transfer to the Middle East at the end of this season – particularly given Klopp’s upcoming exit.
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And if the Egyptian does depart, playmaker Wirtz could be Alonso’s chosen replacement.
He has scored eight goals and provided 12 assists in 25 games for Leverkusen so far this season.
Meanwhile, The Reds’ full-back positions may also be on the verge of a big change-up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could finally become a regular in Liverpool’s midfield, moving on from right-back.
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And Alonso may also feel a replacement is needed for Andy Robertson, 29, following his injury problems this season.
This would pave the way for Frimpong and Grimaldo to move straight into the Liverpool XI.
Dutch right-back Frimpong, 23, has scored seven goals and provided 10 assists already this season.
And Grimaldo has managed an even more impressive feat on the other flank with nine goals and 10 assists.
The pair could further strengthen Liverpool’s backline and make them a force to be reckoned with under Alonso.
Alonso the right man for Liverpool
By Dan King
Xabi Alonso ticks almost every box to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, and if Bayer Leverkusen don’t let their lead at the top of the Bundesliga slip the case for him to do so will be irresistible.
The former Kop idol knows the club inside out after five seasons at Anfield and has made no secret of his enduring affection.
Alonso has already forged a reputation as an innovative coach playing an attractive, pressing style, usually in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
He has taken Leverkusen from second bottom of the Bundesliga to seven-points clear at the top, putting them on course to be crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history.
It’s worth remembering that both Rafa Benitez and Klopp arrived at Anfield with proof they could dethrone clubs who dominated their leagues
For Alonso to do the same, in only his second season as a top-flight manager, would mark him out as something special.
It is that lack of long-term experience that would still make appointing him to replace Klopp a gamble.
But otherwise, he looks like the perfect candidate as Liverpool are forced to plan a future without the man who made them champions of England, Europe and the world.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
