Liverpool could be forced to rethink their summer transfer plans after missing out on Xabi Alonso, who will not be replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield next season. The Spaniard was initially linked with the Liverpool job but has since decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more year.
Liverpool were informed about Alonso’s decision earlier this week, with the Reds still searching for a new manager to succeed Klopp in the dugout. The news that Alonso will not be joining them could disrupt their plans for the summer transfer window, with a handful of Leverkusen stars having been linked with the Merseyside giants.
Edmond Tapsoba had been tipped to join Liverpool later this year, with Alonso a huge admirer of the 25-year-old defender. In fact, it has been reported by The Mirror that Alonso is such a fan of Tapsoba that he would look to bring him wherever he goes next.
However, it would not be a surprise now to see Tapsoba stay at Leverkusen in order to continue working under Alonso next season. It could easily be the same story for Piero Hincapie, who has also been mentioned in connection with a potential summer move to Liverpool.
According to HITC, Liverpool have been ‘stepping up’ their checks on the Ecuador international in recent weeks ahead of a potential swoop, but the news that Alonso will be staying at Leverkusen will increase the chances of Hincapie remaining there for the foreseeable future.
Florian Wirtz is said to be another target for the Reds after establishing himself as Alonso’s crown jewel during his time at Leverkusen. While a move to Anfield might still be possible, the absence of Alonso in the dugout could put Liverpool at a disadvantage with several other top clubs believed to be keeping tabs on Wirtz’s development.
It remains to be seen which direction Liverpool will go in when it comes to filling their managerial vacancy, with Alonso now firmly out of the running. They have also been linked with a move for Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, while Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim is thought to be another potential target.
Amorim’s name has already been discussed by Liverpool ahead of a possible move in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. Any successful move for the 39-year-old will not come cheap, though, given that he is believed to have a release clause of at least £17million at Sporting.
