Exciting option, this Liverpool legend is the first candidate to replace Klopp

Liverpool is facing up to the unenviable task of replacing one of its most successful-ever managers after Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave at the end of the season. Klopp, who was contracted until 2026, will bring an end to an incredible eight years at Anfield this summer. The announcement came as a shock to many but Klopp revealed he informed Liverpool of his decision back in November, with the search for his replacement already underway. Among the list of candidates is Xabi Alonso, with the former Kop favorite making a name for himself in Germany.

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In what is his first senior management position, Alonso has Bayer Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga and on course to end Bayern Munich's monopoly of the division. The last man to do that was Klopp in 2012 while at Borussia Dortmund. It remains to be seen if Liverpool does make a move for Alonso. And the suggestion of a contract 'clause' allowing him to return to Anfield, or another of his former clubs, this summer has since been dismissed by Leverkusen (though it is unlikely the German side would stand in his way).

Back in 2018, when Alonso was working in the youth setup at Real Madrid, the Spaniard spoke out about his desire to manage Liverpool one day. "I have dreamt about it for sure," he told talkSPORT. "First I have to prove myself and to prepare, but 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 will see if we can cross paths in our ways."

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His arrival in Spain is ruled out

He has also been linked with the top job at Real Madrid in recent months but speculation over replacing Klopp has now ramped up. And the World Cup winner was unsurprisingly asked about links in his press conference on Friday. Speaking hours after Klopp's announcement, Alonso said: "At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here.