Michael Edwards' 'three-person shortlist' of Xabi Alonso manager alternatives revealed

Liverpool’s incoming sporting director has a three-person shortlist of alternatives to Xabi Alonso should the Spaniard opt to not take the managerial position at Anfield.

On Saturday The Athletic claimed that Michael Edwards was close to agreeing a senior role with Fenway Sports Group, which would include the former Liverpool executive taking charge of the club’s football operations.

The Reds are in the midst of a huge transition with Jurgen Klopp having announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season along with his backroom staff while sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has already departed.

Should Edwards return to Anfield his priority will be bringing in a new manager, with former Reds midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso widely thought to be the favourite for the job.

But Alonso’s arrival is far from certain, with Bayern Munich also interested and Leverkusen still keen to keep hold of the 42-year-old.

“I firmly believe Alonso will be the coach of Leverkusen next season,” Leverkusen sporting director Reiner Calmund remarked on Saturday.

“As a player, he won everything, including the Champions League at Real Madrid. Ancelotti has extended his contract, so at the moment there’s no danger.

“If I was Alonso’s agent, I wouldn’t advise him to go to Liverpool as Klopp’s successor. I would recommend he stays in Leverkusen for one or two more years and then perhaps replace Ancelotti.”

According to Football Insider, Edwards has his sights on three alternatives should Alonso opt against joining Liverpool.

The club are reportedly interested in Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim.

Xabi Alonso is among the most highly rated managers in world football (Getty)

While Nagelsmann struggled at Bayern, Liverpool allegedly like that the 36-year-old has a history of developing young players, while his contract with the German FA expires this summer.

Moreover, Edwards and Liverpool have reportedly been impressed by De Zerbi since he arrived in the Premier League at Brighton in September 2022. However, the manager is also said to have emerged as a prime target for Manchester United and Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Amorim is said to be of interest to the Reds after having won a league title, two league cups and one Super Cup while in charge of Sporting CP.