Image Credits: Getty Images
It felt like yesterday that Xabi Alonso was being linked as to Liverpool.
Just over a year ago, Alonso was widely viewed as the natural successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
Klopp himself acknowledged Alonso’s ultimate decision, stating he understood the Spaniard’s desire to continue developing at Leverkusen.
This left Liverpool to pivot to Arne Slot, with the rest now history and the Dutchman pretty much untouchable at the club presently.
Not even the most optimistic Liverpool fans could have imagined being happy with Alonso going to Real Madrid this time last year – but as is the case most of the time the Anfield hierarchy seem to have the last laugh.
And while Alonso is not the manager of Liverpool FC, it seems he still has the capacity to rock the boat.
According to Radio Marca, the incoming Real Madrid manager has expressed his desire to bring Liverpool target Florian Wirtz to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.
Under Xabi Alonso’s guidance at Bayer Leverkusen, the 22-year-old as developed into one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders, with the Spanish tactician reportedly telling Real Madrid’s management that he wishes to continue their successful working relationship in the white shirt.
The German international, who has contributed an impressive 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen, won’t come cheap. His potential transfer fee is expected to exceed €100 million, making him a true “Galáctico” signing.
But Liverpool are there for the 22-year-old, as David Ornstein confirmed as recently as Tuesday morning.
Reports indicate the Reds arranged a private jet to bring Wirtz’s camp to Blackpool, where they presented their vision for his future at Anfield.
Bayer Leverkusen has set an asking price of around €150 million (£126 million) for Bayern Munich but are reportedly open to accepting a slightly lower fee – €100 million (£84 million) – from clubs outside Germany.
Liverpool have already lost out to Real Madrid this summer in the form of Dean Huijsen.
Hopefully Wirtz does not become another statistic.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.