Liverpool target Alonso gets surprise blessing to leave Leverkusen

Stuart Telford

• 24 Mar 2024 09:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Xabi Alonso has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, among others, and Bayer Leverkusen captain Lukas Hradecky wouldn't grudge him leaving.

Alonso has emerged as perhaps the most in-demand coach in world football this season, steering Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, 10 points clear of champions Bayern Munich with only eight games to play.

Alonso starred for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as a player, and two of those will be looking for a new manager at the end of the season with Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel leaving Anfield and the Allianz Arena respectively.

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Alonso has remained tight-lipped as to whether he would rather manage Liverpool, Bayern, or indeed stay at Leverkusen, but goalkeeper Hradecky thinks a next step would be reasonable.

'No one would be angry

"That's our wish and dream, for him to stay, but no one would be angry or argue if he wins the Bundesliga and decides to go another route," he said whilst on international duty with Finland.

"We see on a daily basis that he loves to be in Leverkusen. He enjoys Dusseldorf where he lives. From another point of view: How can you make it better than this season?

"There's a lot to ponder but he's enough of a gentleman to make the right decision and only he knows what's best for him."

Former Manchester United youngster Matej Kovar has been given cup games ahead of Hradecky this season, and has even started ahead of him in the league, so the goalkeeper's words can be taken with a pinch of salt.

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While Hradecky might not follow Alonso to his next club, Leverkusen are likely to be plundered for star player should the Spaniard depart.

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie in recent months, while Florian Wirtz would be welcomed at any of Alonso's potential future employers.