Xabi Alonso contract features ‘Liverpool clause’ to replace Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool may have been given a new route to bring in Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp’s eventual replacement as the Spaniard reportedly has a clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract that allows him to join any one of three clubs if they make an approach for him. Klopp still has three years to run on his current contract at Anfield after signing an extension in 2022.

The German had originally claimed he planned to step aside in 2024, but he was convinced to extend his stay on Merseyside by a further two years. Whether Klopp chooses to stay beyond that remains to be seen, but Liverpool will likely be doing their due diligence on potential targets in case he doesn’t.

Steven Gerrard has long been touted as Klopp’s natural successor, but his failed Aston Villa spell and a move to Saudi Arabia has put some doubt on a return to Merseyside. Liverpool will want someone already proven at the highest level of management and Alonso is quickly emerging as a bright talent in the world of football.

He led Leverkusen to their first top-three finish in the Bundesliga in six years last season and has carried that momentum into the new campaign. The Spaniard was soon rewarded with a new deal in the summer, keeping him at the club until 2026.

But Sport Bild claim that the extension includes a unique clause that allows him to leave should Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich come calling. An agreement is said to be in place with Leverkusen for Alonso to make the move and it may not be long until he’s given an opportunity elsewhere.

Liverpool will unlikely look to move for Alonso unless Klopp chooses to step down before his contract is set to end. But Alonso has previously admitted that it would be a “dream” for him to one day manage his former club.

When asked in 2018 whether he had thought about managing Liverpool, Alonso said: “Yes for sure, I have dreamt of that, but first I have to prove myself and prepare.

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“If I decide somewhere along the way to take my chances as a manager, my link, my commitment, my passion with Liverpool is there. Why not? We will see if we can cross paths in our ways.”

The 41-year-old has certainly proven himself already in his short managerial career so far with Leverkusen currently top of the Bundesliga after seven matches. But Liverpool may risk missing out on Alonso with Real set to look for a new boss next summer.

Carlo Ancelotti’s contract at the Bernabeu expires next summer and has an agreement in place to take charge of Brazil for the Copa America tournament. Thomas Tuchel will also be under pressure to perform at Bayern with the German giants currently third in the table.

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