Xabi Alonso can twist the knife into Liverpool for the second time this summer
Liverpool could be hurt by Xabi Alonso for the second time this summer with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks with Waldemar Anton. The Reds have been linked with the Stuttgart defender but may miss out to Alonso’s Bundesliga champions.
Anton impressed in the German top-flight last season and could be set for a move this summer. It has been widely claimed that the 27-year-old was on Liverpool’s shortlist amid their search for a new centre-back.
However, Sky Germany report that Leverkusen have already initiated contact with the player and have agreed a contract until 2028. It is reported that Alonso has been key to the discussions and has twice held talks with Anton over a move.
The former Hannover star is currently part of the Germany squad for Euro 2024. He could be a replacement for Jonathan Tah, who is widely expected to leave after spending nine years in Leverkusen.
If Alonso signs Anton, the Spaniard would be twisting the knife into Liverpool for a second time this year, having already decided not to return to Anfield as head coach. The former midfielder was considered the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp but he ultimately decided to stay at Leverkusen.
Liverpool have since appointed Arne Slot as their head coach.
“It has been a season with a lot of speculation regarding my future,” Alonso said in March. “I wanted to use the international break to reflect a little bit better and to take a decision.
“I had a good meeting with Simon [Rolfes, the club’s sporting director] with Fernando [Carro, CEO], when I informed them of my decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen could beat Liverpool to the signing of Waldemar Anton
“For sure all the decisions, you need to analyse well, and I tried to take the right ones, I tried to take the ones that come in a natural way, and at this moment I feel this is the right place for me to be to develop as a coach.
“I am a young coach, but I have to feel it, and right now I feel that this is the right place.”
Liverpool are set for a busy summer and will want to replenish Slot’s squad over the coming weeks. A new defender is widely understood to be high on their agenda.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1912990/Xabi-Alonso-Liverpool-Euro-2024-Bayer-Leverkusen