Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer reckon that former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could return to Anfield.
The Spaniard, who spent five years on Merseyside, started his managerial career with Real Madrid’s youth team in 2018, going on to become Real Sociedad’s B team manager before taking the reigns at German club Bayer Leverkusen over a year ago.
His side have started the campaign in impressive fashion, winning nine of their 10 games in the Bundesliga, the latest coming in a 3-2 away win over Hoffenheim at the weekend. He also guided Die Schwarzroten to the semi-finals of the Europa League last season and have won all three of their games in this year’s competition.
With the Reds also unbeaten in Group E, the possibility of a reunion with Alonso in the latter stages of the tournament could come to fruition, with Jurgen Klopp hoping to add the one trophy that has alluded him during his eight-year tenure at Anfield.
Klopp, 56, signed a new contract with Liverpool in 2022, extending his stay until the summer of 2026 with his previous deal set to expire in the summer of next year. But looking beyond that, both Lineker and Shearer have identified Champions League winner Alonso as a potential replacement for Klopp in the years to come.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: “He’s getting rave reviews isn’t he? He’s started his coaching and managerial career really well. It won’t be long if he keeps on going before others are starting to look at him if they haven’t already and then you never know do you?”
Lineker said: “I think there’s every chance that once Carlo Ancelotti walks away or is pushed out as is often the case at Real Madrid, he might end up there as manager of a certain Jude Bellingham. Also, he could possibly follow (Jurgen) Klopp further down the line. With these things, you always do, don’t you. There is always going to be (Steven) Gerrard.”
Shearer concluded the conversation by adding: “In 12 months time that might all change. But, it does look as though he’s going to be around for a long time at the top doesn’t he?”
