Liverpool eyes Roberto De Zerbi as Xabi Alonso’s alternative for the managerial role

Liverpool is considering Roberto De Zerbi as a potential successor to Xabi Alonso as their next manager. Richard Hughes, the club's new Sporting Director, is familiar with De Zerbi from their youth football days in Italy. Bayern Munich is also interested in Alonso, and De Zerbi's reputation at Liverpool and Hughes' admiration for him add to his credentials. However, De Zerbi may face a dilemma if Liverpool's interest becomes firm.

Liverpool is considering Roberto De Zerbi as a leading alternative to Xabi Alonso for their next manager, with the Brighton boss emerging as a strong contender. The Reds’ new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, who will join the club on June 1, is familiar with De Zerbi from their youth football days in Italy and previously attempted to bring him to Bournemouth.

With Bayern Munich also interested in Bayer Leverkusen head coach Alonso, Liverpool sees De Zerbi, 44, as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp. De Zerbi’s reputation was already high at Liverpool before he joined Brighton in 2022, and Hughes’ admiration for him adds to his credentials. Hughes, who played for Atalanta and faced De Zerbi while the latter was on AC Milan’s books, pursued De Zerbi for Bournemouth after Scott Parker’s sacking in August 2022. However, Brighton’s quick move for De Zerbi saw him join them instead.

De Zerbi may face a dilemma if Liverpool’s interest becomes firm, as both Pep Guardiola and Barcelona also view him as a potential future manager. Meanwhile, Alonso, 42, has options of his own, with Real Madrid potentially seeking a new boss shortly, which could influence his decision to stay at Leverkusen for another season.