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Three Bayer Leverkusen stars Xabi Alonso could sign for Liverpool as 'contact made'
Xabi Alonso might want to bring several of his Bayer Leverkusen stars to Liverpool if he returns to Anfield as manager.
Liverpool have moved one step closer to naming Jurgen Klopp’s successor after reportedly ‘making contact’ with Xabi Alonso. Their former midfielder has enjoyed huge success with Bayer Leverkusen this season, sitting top of the Bundesliga ahead of serial champions Bayern Munich.
Alonso would be an exciting replacement for Klopp, but plays a slightly different brand of football. Here are three players he could bring to Anfield from his current club to ensure Liverpool are able to adapt quickly in the 2024-25 season.
Florian Wirtz
Attacking midfielder Wirtz is one of the most sought-after players in Europe. Overcoming a torn ACL suffered in March 2022, the 20-year-old has made a name for himself as one of the brightest attacking players on the continent.
Bayer’s No. 10 has scored eight goals and provided a staggering 15 assists already this season. If an Alonso-led Liverpool wish to sign the Germany international, they will need to beat the world’s wealthiest clubs to his signature.
Alonso predominantly uses the right-footed Wirtz as a No. 10, but he can also play wide on the right or as a striker. Manchester City are said to be courting the former Koln prospect.
Jeremie Frimpong
If Alonso wants to use Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder, the Spaniard might want to strengthen at right-back. Conor Bradley’s emergence in the position will give the incoming Reds boss food for thought, but he could bring in his own targets.
Frimpong would be an excellent addition at Anfield. Formerly of Man City and Celtic, the rampaging wing-back would perfectly complement Andy Robertson on the other side.
The 23-year-old has scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions this season, an impressive record for a defender. Alonso has preferred a 3-4-3 system at Bayer, with Frimpong key to their shape on the right-hand side.
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Piero Hincapie
If Alonso is to utilise a back three at Liverpool, a left-footed centre-back could be a necessary purchase during the summer transfer window. The Reds’ current options in the position are all right-footed.
Bayer fended off competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs to sign Hincapie from Argentine outfit CA Talleres in the summer of 2021. He has already attracted plenty of interest with his performances in the Bundesliga.
An Ecuadorian international, the 22-year-old is excellent with the ball at his feet and commanding in the air. His versatility means he can also play at left-back.