The succession plans for each Premier League club are coming under the microscope as rumours increase over Liverpool making an eventual move for Xabi Alonso when the time is right.
Alonso has impressed since taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen last October, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga. That has seen him surge up the list of potential replacements for Klopp at Anfield whenever the German decides to depart, with his contract running out in 2026.
For a long time, Steven Gerrard was seen as the favourite, but his career as a manager has gone down in flames. Here, Mirror Football looks at who might be the next man in the dugout at each Premier League club, whenever their current boss leaves their job.
Arsenal – Jack Wilshere
Mikel Arteta is solid in his post at Arsenal, having masterminded a surprise title challenge last season. With Arteta set to remain at the Emirates for many years to come, it appears likely that their next boss will be a young up-and-comer. Jack Wilshere would appear to be the perfect successor and like Arteta is a former Arsenal midfielder. He is currently taking his first steps into management with the Gunners’ Under-18s side and will likely already be being eyed to succeed Arteta.
Aston Villa – Enzo Maresca
It is much the same story at Aston Villa, where Unai Emery is highly unlikely to be sacked any time soon. Emery could though be snapped up by a bigger team given the remarkable job he has been doing at Villa Park. If that happens, then Villa will likely turn to a progressive boss who has proved themselves. That could lead them to Enzo Maresca, who has impressed with Leicester, taking them to the top of the Championship in what is his first managerial role.
Bournemouth – Kjetil Knutsen
Bournemouth appeared to signal a major change in strategy in the summer when they sacked Gary O’Neil to bring in Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard has struggled since, though the Cherries have hit good form in recent weeks. When Iraola departs, Bournemouth appear likely to stick to the same strategy, which throws Kjetil Knutsen’s name up as a likely successor. Knutsen has impressed at Bodo/Glimt, winning three Norwegian titles, and Bournemouth would be a likely next step.
Brentford – Graham Potter
Knowing Brentford, they will probably pluck an unknown manager out from nowhere who becomes the next Pep Guardiola. But to save time, a more well-known boss who could be seen as Thomas Frank’s successor is Graham Potter. Obviously, things did not go well at Chelsea, but Potter proved he can lead a club of Brentford’s size during his time at Brighton. Potter’s credentials of creating a progressive team are clear and would make him a natural replacement for Frank.
Brighton – Bruno Saltor
Roberto De Zerbi’s job at Brighton is safe, unless a big club swoops in to steal him away. If that does happen, the Seagulls could look to a familiar face to take over from the much-respected Italian. That man is Bruno Saltor, who became a legend at Brighton as a player. He worked as a coach at the Seagulls and Chelsea under Graham Potter, so he knows exactly the type of football that Brighton bosses are looking for.
Burnley – Carlos Corberán
With Burnley bottom of the Premier League, Vincent Kompany may find his job coming under threat. If he does get fired, the Clarets will likely look for another progressive coach to take over. One of the likely candidates is Carlos Corberán who has impressed at crisis club West Brom. Corberán would likely jump at the chance to test his talents in the top-flight, as well as join a club who are stable, unlike the Baggies.
Chelsea – Ruben Amorim
Mauricio Pochettino has steadily improved Chelsea’s performances since arriving in the summer. But this being Chelsea, that does not mean his job is safe as plenty of former bosses can attest. If he is let go, Ruben Amorim appears to be a perfect successor, having restored Sporting Lisbon’s standing in Portugal. Amorim may well feel ready to test himself in a top European league and Chelsea are thought to have long eyed the highly-rated boss.
Crystal Palace – Gareth Southgate
While Roy Hodgson has done his usual solid job with Crystal Palace, it appears to be a matter of when not if he returns to retirement. To replace him, Palace may look to Gareth Southgate, who is likely to leave England after next summer’s Euros. Club management is obviously much different to the international game, but Southgate has done enough to earn another chance in the Premier League. His tactical approach appears to follow in the line of Hodgson and would likely jump at the opportunity to return to Selhurst Park.
Everton – Wayne Rooney
Despite their controversial points deduction, Sean Dyche had been doing a solid job at Everton. If he leaves Goodison Park, Wayne Rooney may be a popular replacement, depending on how he does with Birmingham. Rooney has steadily earned credit with fans at St Andrews’, with a positive style of play. If his solid work there continues, he could be in line for a return to boyhood club Everton.
Fulham – Chris Wilder
Marco Silva may have only just signed a new contract at Fulham, but that does not mean the Cottagers should be banking on him staying. If the Saudi Pro League revives their interest, Fulham may be forced to look for a replacement. That could lead them to Chris Wilder, in the absence of any clear Silva successor. Wilder impressed in taking up Sheffield United in 2019 and though he has failed to replicate that success since, he would be a solid replacement for Silva.
Liverpool – Xabi Alonso
The stage appears set for Xabi Alonso to replace Klopp at Liverpool when the German decides to move on, especially if he completes Bayer Leverkusen’s title challenge. The Reds may have to battle Real Madrid for his services, but Alonso clearly feels fondly about the Anfield side. Alonso’s work at Leverkusen has been mightily impressive and their approach to games appears to follow Klopp’s rock and roll philosophy. Liverpool chiefs are keeping a close eye on the Spaniard’s progress and he would certainly be a popular successor.
Luton Town – Ryan Lowe
Given their impressive recent performances, Rob Edwards’ job appears to be safe. And given the way they approached the summer transfer window, a survival specialist would appear to be an unlikely successor. Instead, Luton would likely look to a man impressing in the Championship as their next boss. Preston’s Ryan Lowe fits the bill, having enjoyed huge success at Bury and Plymouth, before taking over North End two seasons ago and leading them to a play-off spot as it stands.
Manchester City – Roberto De Zerbi
Again, it appears highly unlikely that Pep Guardiola will leave his job as Manchester City boss in the near future. Whenever he does depart, Roberto De Zerbi will be seen as a likely successor, given his impressive work at Brighton. The Seagulls secured a place in Europe last season, with De Zerbi proving he can continue the work of a popular predecessor. The Italian is known for his innovative tactics and has already drawn praise from some of the Premier League’s top bosses.
Manchester United – Julian Nagelsmann
Newcastle – Kieran McKenna
While Newcastle have experienced a tougher season this year, Eddie Howe appears to be secure in his post. If he does leave, another progressive manager would be the Magpies’ top target. That could lead them to Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who is earning rave reviews at the Tractor Boys. He led them to promotion last season and looks likely to take them up from the Championship, which would certainly prove his credentials for resurrecting fallen giants.
Nottingham Forest – Patrick Vieira
Steve Cooper has faced murmurings of discontent at Nottingham Forest over the past year, but is still unlikely to be sacked any time soon. If he is, Forest would likely look to a man who has already managed in the Premier League. That could take them to Patrick Vieira, who was somewhat unfairly sacked by Crystal Palace last season. Vieira has a reputation for progressive football and certainly has unfinished business in England.
Sheffield United – Neil Warnock
One of the most likely current managers to be sacked is Paul Heckingbottom, with Sheffield United having endured an awful season. With the Blades being cash-strapped, they are unlikely to be able to attract a bright young boss to take over. Instead, they may have to put out a distress signal to Neil Warnock, who would likely jump at the chance to take charge of the club where he made his name one final time. If he is able to keep them up, it would be the perfect way for him to wrap up his incredible career.
Tottenham – Michael Carrick
Given the job he’s doing, there’s zero chance of Ange Postecoglou being sacked any time soon. But when he does move on in a few years’ time, Spurs will look to continue his legacy of all-out attacking football. The man to do that could be Michael Carrick, who remains a popular figure at Tottenham. Carrick has impressed in his early managerial career, and by the time Postecoglou moves on he should have enough experience to be able to replace the Australian.
West Ham – Will Still
David Moyes ‘ job at West Ham appears to be in jeopardy beyond the summer, with the Hammers set to bring in a new man. One of the rising managerial stars could be the boss they look for next. Will Still certainly fits that brief, having transformed Reims since taking over as a virtual unknown. His work with younger players and Reims’ impressive season so far makes him a likely candidate for the Hammers.
Wolves – Michael Beale
Gary O’Neil has launched an early challenge for the manager of the year award with his work at Wolves. But if he eventually leaves Molineux, then they could look back to a man they previously wanted as manager. That person is Michael Beale, who is currently a free agent after leaving Rangers. Though his time in Scotland did not go well, his work at QPR makes him a potentially intriguing candidate if O’Neil leaves.
