Xabi Alonso unlikely to make Liverpool shortlist

Xabi Alonso is unlikely to be on Liverpool’s managerial shortlist.

Alonso was previously the forerunner to take over from Jurgen Klopp this summer and even received an endorsement from the outgoing Anfield boss.

But the possibility of the former fans’ favourite returning to the Reds have grown increasingly slim as he appears destined to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Since taking the reins at the BayArena in late 2022, Alonso has guided his current employers to the brink of their first-ever Bundesliga title this season.

He has also taken Leverkusen deep into the Europa League, where they could face Liverpool in the final after the clubs were kept apart by the draw.

Last month Klopp described the 42-year-old as the ‘standout’ candidate in the new generation of upcoming coaches and hailed his ‘incredible’ current job.

However a desire to finish what he has started with the Werkself has forced owners Fenway Sports Group to gravitate towards alternative candidates.

Chief among them are Roberto De Zerbi, who brings his Brighton side to Merseyside on Sunday, and Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.

Amorim’s stock has grown considerably since, similar to Alonso, helping seal Sporting’s first Liga Portugal title in 19 years during the 2020/21 campaign.

The search for Klopp’s successor will be steered by new sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, returning as FSG’s CEO of football.