Liverpool are in search of a potential successor for Jurgen Klopp as his tenure at Anfield ends this summer.
Following Klopp’s unexpected departure announcement in January, there has been a concerted effort to ensure his departure is marked by success, with Liverpool aggressively contending for the Premier League title, still in contention in both the FA Cup and Europa League, and having already secured the Carabao Cup.
Among the prospective candidates are Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, despite the Seagulls’ recent struggles, and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, who is currently leading his country in Euro 2024 but is set to depart after the tournament ends.
Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim are emerging as intriguing options in Liverpool’s considerations.
However, should Liverpool opt for either of them, they would be required to meet substantial release clauses, potentially surpassing the existing record fee set by Nagelsmann’s move from RB Leipzig to Bayern Munich in 2021, which amounted to just under £22 million.
The financial aspect adds an additional layer of complexity to Liverpool’s decision-making process as they seek to secure a worthy successor to Klopp.
Alonso penned a new contract in August, extending his stay at the BayArena after an impressive debut season.
The agreement binds him to the club until 2026 and incorporates a substantial release clause set at £21 million.
This significant clause is a key factor contributing to Bayer Leverkusen’s Sporting Director, Simon Rolfes, maintaining a composed stance regarding the situation as the summer approaches.
“I remain calm and optimistic,” the club’s sporting director told Saarbruecker Zeitung. “The most important thing with managers is that they feel comfortable and have the feeling that they are in the right place.
“Xabi knows what he has at the club. He has often said that. That’s how he works with his team and his coaching team every day. There are many conjunctures in the world. Not all of them have to materialise.”
Amorim, on the other hand, is attracting attention as one of the most sought-after managers in Europe, owing to his outstanding achievements in Lisbon.
Sporting secured his services from Portuguese rivals Braga for £8.55 million in March 2020, a move that took place just two months into his senior management role.
Amorim’s contract with Sporting includes a release clause, which, interestingly, decreases over the course of his tenure.
Two years ago, the clause was set at £26 million, but by the end of the current season, interested parties may be required to pay £13.2 million to acquire his services.
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