Liverpool hold secret edge in race with Bayern for Xabi Alonso

Liverpool director Richard Hughes shares an excellent relationship with Xabi Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez, according to the Daily Mail, and it could give them the upper hand in the race for the Bayer Leverkusen manager.

The Reds are looking for a new coach after sorting out the front office by rehiring Michael Edwards as CEO of football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG). He brought in Hughes as the sporting director.

The first task for the pair is finding a Jurgen Klopp replacement as the German manager prepares to leave Anfield this summer.

Alonso is Liverpool’s prime candidate to replace the charismatic Klopp, but the situation is not straightforward. 

Bayern Munich are also preparing a summer swoop for the Spanish tactician, with both clubs backing themselves to snag his signature.

However, Liverpool could hold an ace up their sleeves thanks to Hughes’ connection with Ibanez. It may not be much, but it is a potential advantage. 

Hughes also knows Liverpool’s second-choice head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, well. Hughes famously got his football upbringing in Italy and has had an eye on the Italian coach.

When Scott Parker left the club two years ago, Hughes reportedly wanted to bring in De Zerbi at Bournemouth. 

Interestingly, De Zerbi is also on Bayern’s shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel.

In true Bayern fashion, the Bavarians have been moving confidently, believing they have the upper hand in the Alonso chase.

As for Liverpool, Alonso and De Zerbi are not the only candidates for the job. Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim also ranks highly in the club’s internal data tests led by head of research Will Spearman.

Amorim is a serial winner and excellent communicator who shares the same agent as Luis Diaz. But it would take a record compensation fee of around £25 million to poach him from the Primeira Liga table-toppers.