Liverpool could break a world record if Xabi Alonso becomes their next manager, with the Reds also reportedly eyeing a new defender if Monday’s news is to be believed.
World-record manager fee for Xabi?
It seems clear that Alonso remains the front-runner to be Jurgen Klopp‘s successor, and if he does move to Anfield, it could be lucrative, to say the least.
According to an update from the Sky Germany, via the Mirror, the 42-year-old could command a world-record £21million fee for a manager this summer – more than double what he cost Liverpool as a player!
As for how accurate those numbers are, we will just have to wait and see.
Julian Nagelsmann holds the current record with £21.7 million when he joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig, but Alonso could pip that, with his current Bayer Leverkusen deal not expiring until 2026.
On Sunday, the Spaniard’s Leverkusen side went 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga as they close in on a historic title win.
4 things today: Brilliant footage and Salah stance
- Liverpool CEO takes up new role with FSG – it hints at a new club appointment and why Michael Edwards is back on the radar
- Egypt’s stance remains the same when it comes to Mo Salah and international duty this month – how many times do you think is reasonable for us to remind them that it’s a friendly?
- Gary Neville says “too much” is being made out of the drop-ball error that led to Liverpool’s winner – strange to say, but we have to agree with Gary on this!
Reds eye Moroccan teenager
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are monitoring the progress of teenage defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, ahead of a potential move this summer.
The 17-year-old currently plays for Mohammed VI Football Academy in his homeland and is described in the report as a “complete and dominant defender,” having recently shone at the Under-17 World Cup.
Long-term planning is essential for Liverpool, ensuring they remain in and around the top of English football long beyond Klopp, and this suggests that they are going down that route.
Ait Boudlal has won five caps for Morocoo’s under-17s to date, scoring twice for good measure.
Merseyside police on high alert
Liverpool’s Premier League clash with City at Anfield on Sunday is the biggest match of the season, potentially swinging the title race either way.
There is no love lost between both sets of fans, and the Mail claim that Merseyside police are preparing themselves for the weekend action.
The report states that there will be a specific focus on City’s bus journey, following past issues with their transport being vandalised, but their route won’t be any different than usual.
Making Anfield an intimidating place is essential on Sunday, but going too far is not a good look and needs to be avoided.
The referee for the huge clash has also been confirmed, with Michael Oliver to take control of proceedings with Stuart Atwell on VAR.
Latest chat from elsewhere
- Dan Ashworth wants to complete a big-money double deal at United when he becomes their new sporting director – let’s hope United aren’t turning serious on us now
- Man arrested after shocking Munich tragedy chant at Manchester derby – will it ever stop?
Video of the day and match of the night
If Liverpool don’t manage to recruit Alonso, they will have to look elsewhere. Sporting manager Ruben Amorim has been one of those linked with the job, so who is he?
Match of the night is Sheffield United vs. Arsenal, as the Gunners look to keep in touch with Liverpool and Man City.
Coverage gets underway on Sky Sports Main Event at 6.30pm (UK), with plenty of weekend analysis on show before kickoff at 8pm.
In truth, the in-form Gunners have every chance of dismantling the Blades, and it is wishful thinking to hope for dropped points from a Reds perspective.
Come on United (for a second day in a row!).
