Liverpool returns to Premier League action this weekend but the search continues for the club’s next manager. The appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director should move things along but there is yet to be a breakthrough, with Xabi Alonso seemingly remaining the top target. There could also be a significant development within FSG, led by ex-Liverpool chief Michael Edwards. Here’s your round-up of the latest Liverpool news.
Alonso ‘situation changes’ amid Liverpool interest
Xabi Alonso remains the frontrunner to take over as Liverpool’s next manager with Jürgen Klopp entering the final two months of his tenure. Alonso has taken Bayer Leverkusen to the top of Bundesliga, with his side unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Bayern Munich is also keen on appointing the Spaniard with Liverpool said to be considering alternatives, if it cannot persuade Alonso to return to Anfield. Staying at Leverkusen hasn’t been ruled out and journalist Fabrizio Romano claims results on the pitch have changed the 44-year-old’s thinking.
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He told Caught Offside that Alonso was ‘considering his options’ at the end of last year, well before Klopp announced his intentions to leave Liverpool. But with his Leverkusen side continuing its unbeaten run, Alonso’s situation is said to have ‘completely changed’.
It is claimed that he does not want any distractions from now until the end of the season. Leverkusen bosses share that view, with his future unlikely to be resolved until the summer.
FSG and Michael Edwards target French club?
Liverpool owners FSG have reportedly held talks over a potential deal to buy Ligue 1 side Toulouse. Former Reds sporting director Michael Edwards returned to FSG earlier this month as CEO of football.
Liverpool will now fall under his remit and he played a key role in the appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director. Having initially turned FSG down, Edwards revealed plans to ‘acquire and oversee’ an additional club was a big factor in taking the role.
In an FSG statement, he added: “It was vital that I returned with renewed vigor and energy, having fresh challenges and opportunities. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.”
According to Football Insider, a deal to buy out Toulouse is being lined up as FSG eyes a multi-club network. Liverpool met the French side in the Europa League earlier this season, winning 5-1 at Anfield before slipping to a 3-2 defeat in the reverse fixture.
The two clubs are already linked, with Toulouse’s majority owners RedBird Capital holding an 11 per cent stake in FSG, while former Reds chief Damien Comolli is president of the Ligue 1 side. Toulouse currently sits 11th in the table but is just six points clear of the relegation places.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
