Liverpool given fresh hope in Jurgen Klopp replacement hunt

Cameron Smith

5 Apr 2024 11:30 BST
3 min read

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

The agent of Bologna boss Thiago Motta has hinted that he could leave the Serie A club this summer amid managerial openings at Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

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Motta, 41, has performed admirably since being appointed at Bologna in 2023 and they are currently on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Star striker Joshua Zirkzee has been heavily linked with a big-money summer transfer, while Motta has previously been touted to fill one of managerial openings at Liverpool, Bayern or Barcelona.

Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Xavi have all confirmed that they will be leaving their current jobs when the 2023-24 concludes.

Motta’s form at Bologna has earned him plaudits from across Europe and as a result, he is considered to be one of the candidates for the three jobs. His agent, Alessandro Canovi has now added fuel to the fire with his latest comments.

What has been said?

Canovi, Motta’s agent, told TMW Radio (as per GOAL): “The situation of the big names? The confirmation of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen has opened up several important candidatures for Liverpool and Bayern Munich. And there’s Barcelona. They are three interesting and very coveted benches right now."

He added: "At the moment the only fact is that Motta has an expiring contract with Bologna. Will he stay at Bologna? I can’t say, because I have no negotiations with anyone. You can’t talk about things that aren’t in place.”

Bologna beat Salernitana 3-0 on Monday to further solidify their fourth place position in Serie A and they face relegation-threatened Frosinone on Sunday.

Motta’s current deal at Bologna is due to expire this summer and he is yet to sign a new contract amid links with some of the continent’s biggest clubs.