February 16, (THEWILL) – Bayern Munich have emerged as a contender to appoint Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager, according to reports in the Times on Friday. Alonso is said to be the frontrunner to take over at Liverpool once current coach Jurgen Klopp departs after the 2023/2024 campaign.
The same report indicates that Bayern could look to bring in the former midfielder due to growing uncertainty over Thomas Tuchel’s position. Tuchel has come under fire this season with the Bavarian giants second-best to Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga table. Alonso’s successful stint at Leverkusen since taking over last March has caught the eye of both clubs.
Although Barcelona are also rumoured to be seeking to bring Alonso to Catalonia, they have realistically identified three Premier League players that they wish to sign this summer. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma are said to be on the Catalan side’s transfer shortlist.
The report claims that with manager Xavi Hernandez exiting the club wants to bring in young talent to rejuvenate an ageing squad. Martinelli and Mitoma have impressed with their direct attacking this term, while Onana has starred since joining Everton from Lille last year.
Meanwhile, in this revolving door of management movement, Manchester United and Liverpool are weighing up moves for Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi, according to the Daily Mail. The Italian has earned many plaudits for his work with the Seagulls this campaign after taking over from Graham Potter.
His success on the south coast has led both clubs to consider him as a replacement for their current managers. Erik ten Hag has been under pressure previously due to inconsistent results even if recent results have flattered his side. De Zerbi is seen as one of Europe’s best up-and-coming coaches after shining previously at Sassuolo.
Elsewhere, Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen is Paris St Germain’s number-one choice to replace Kylian Mbappe, who has told PSG he will not renew his contract beyond this summer.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
