Xabi Alonso continues to be linked to Liverpool, although there is no current vacancy, while reports have reemerged over interest in Brazilian midfielder Andre.
Xabi Alonso ‘stance’ if Liverpool “come calling”
Xabi Alonso remains in the headlines in the Spanish press after his exit from Real Madrid, and it has gained traction in the UK throughout Tuesday’s news cycle.
The former Liverpool midfielder was previously described as a ‘leading candidate’ for the club after Jurgen Klopp announced his exit, though he quickly committed to staying at Leverkusen at the time.
With Arne Slot under pressure and Alonso now available, the obvious headlines have emerged. Spanish outlet Marca are the latest to breathe life into links to an Anfield move.
They state that “it’s most likely he’ll find a new team sometime in July,” with Liverpool deemed “the most logical solution.”
While there is no explicit line about ‘immediately accepting’ an offer from Liverpool, as has been reported elsewhere, Marca’s piece states “we all know Xabi will go to Liverpool sooner or later.”
It is reported that his plans are to rest, “unless Liverpool comes calling,” suggesting his stance could be quickly changed by an approach from his “beloved” former club.
There will be plenty of support for it, but it only changes if Slot is relieved of his duties.
LFC News: 20-man travelling squad named, Szoboszlai contract & Andre transfer link
• Mo Salah has been named in Liverpool’s 20-man travelling squad to Marseille, but Ibrahima Konate has not due to family reasons – it remains to be seen if he will be involved
• Dominik Szoboszlai has said there is progress over contract talks but “no decision has been made” – here’s hoping Liverpool finally learn their lesson about tying up their players!
• Jurgen Klopp has reaffirmed he won’t be Real Madrid’s next manager, which is not that surprising, but just watch some ‘reporters’ continue to push his name forward
• Wolves midfielder Andre is reportedly back on Liverpool’s radar, with reports in Brazil stating that they “intend to make an official offer” – it could be opportunistic if they’re relegated (RTI Esporte)
OPINION: Why Slot is refusing to trust 5 players
Arne Slot‘s team selection has been readily debated throughout the season, and Mo Stewart has taken a look at his use of the squad and the lack of minutes for five players in particular:
“It is natural for a new head coach to take a year to assess who he believes he can work with.
“The summer departures of Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott suggested the squad had been pruned – you would expect those that remained had earned his trust.
“And yet, the infamous five of Chiesa, Endo, Ngumoha, Nyoni and Ramsay have combined for a grand total of one start across Premier League and Champions League, the Italian getting the nod at home to Wolves when Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were unavailable to start.
“Between them, there have been 89 squad selections across those two competitions, but only 32 appearances for a total of 398 minutes.”
Football News: Villa eye Mateta deal, Thomas Frank support & De Zerbi on Man United links
• Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta this month – all we can think about is Harvey Elliott going unused! (The Athletic)
• Thomas Frank maintains he feels support from Tottenham‘s hierarchy as pressure continues to grow – it’s going to be a sellers’ market for managers in the Premier League this summer!
• Speaking of which, Roberto De Zerbi skirted questions over links to Man United as he maintained Liverpool’s visit is currently his only focus – wouldn’t be a surprise if he ended up there
Liverpool FC: On this day
On this day in 1994, the great Matt Busby died at the age of 84.
Most know him as the first great manager of Man United. However, he was actually a Liverpool player before that and even captained the Reds.
He played 122 times for Liverpool, plus on another 26 occasions during World War Two.
During his playing days, the Liverpool Echo once described him as “the richest and most practised passer the game has ever known, hence he appears in a blinding light when compared with some other half-backs.”