Four signings Xabi Alonso could make at Liverpool as ‘contract clause’ emerges

Liverpool may not be on the lookout for a new manager for a few years with Jurgen Klopp’s contract running until 2026, but Xabi Alonso could be a viable option due to a reported contract clause at Bayer Leverkusen. Express Sport takes a look at four signings Liverpool could make if Alonso ends up as the club’s next manager.

Jeremie Frimpong

Trent Alexander-Arnold holds down the position as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, but he’s beginning to transition more into a midfield role. Liverpool lack a natural second option at right-back with Joe Gomez more suited to a central role.

Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest talents at full-back under Alonso’s stewardship and would fit the profile of the kind of player Liverpool have targeted in the past. He only signed a new deal earlier this month, keeping him at Leverkusen until 2028.

But with Alonso also set to stay in charge of Leverkusen until offers from Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in then Frimpong may also stay put with his manager. Later down the line, Frimpong may become available for a cheaper price and Alonso taking over at Liverpool would likely put them at the front of the queue to sign Frimpong.

Edmond Tapsoba

Central defence is likely to be the next department that needs a slight overhaul at Liverpool with Joel Matip’s contract expiring next year. Edmond Tapsoba could be a viable option with the 24-year-old established as a regular at the heart of Leverkusen’s defence.

The 24-year-old was strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, but Leverkusen managed to keep him at the club. But Liverpool’s pulling power, along with Alonso potentially being in charge at Anfield, would make a move for Tapsoba even more likely.

Odilon Kossounou

Much like Tapsoba, Odilon Kossounou has turned out to be a star player under Alonso’s guideship at Leverkusen. Another young defensive talent who was being linked with a move to the Premier League, he too fits the mould for what Liverpool would likely look for in signing a new centre-back.

Alonso is said to be a huge fan of the 22-year-old, who’s being tipped for a bright future in Europe. Liverpool would be hard-pushed looking for a better bargain than Kossounou as part of their defensive revolution.

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Martin Zubimendi

Before taking the job at Leverkusen, Alonso’s first management role came at Real Sociedad’s B side and he played a part in Martin Zubimendi’s development. Now 24 years of age and a bonafide European star, Zubimendi has made no secret of the admiration he has for Alonso after the pair briefly worked together in Spain.

Alonso has admitted since then that he would love to work with Zubimendi again and Liverpool may well be in need of another midfielder in the coming years. Thiago Alcantara looks set to leave the club next summer while Wataru Endo is seen as a stop-gap signing to fill a vacant spot in Klopp’s side.

Liverpool would likely jump at the chance to sign Zubimendi, but so would clubs all over Europe. However, if Alonso takes over at Anfield then they’ll likely have the advantage in getting a deal over the line.

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