Xabi Alonso has reportedly set his sights on a key transfer target should he be appointed Liverpool manager this summer.
Alonso’s time in charge of Real Madrid came to an early end this year after the team suffered defeat in the Spanish Super Cup, and he has since been strongly linked with a return to Liverpool in a managerial role.
The Spaniard was previously considered as a potential successor when Jurgen Klopp left the club, but he chose to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, while Arne Slot was appointed and went on to win the league in his debut season.
However, pressure has mounted on Slot following a challenging second campaign. Reports from German outlet BILD claim that Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez, has confirmed genuine interest from Liverpool. Spanish publication Fichajes has gone further, suggesting that Alonso is now “increasingly close” to taking over at Anfield.
The report also states that Alonso is eager to reunite with one of his former players, with Real Madrid star Arda Guler emerging as the top name on his wishlist. Guler flourished under Alonso during his brief spell at Real and has since become an important figure for the Spanish giants, recording four goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
With club legend Mohamed Salah expected to depart, Guler is reportedly viewed as a priority signing for Liverpool, with the club believing he could play a central role in their future plans. Liverpool are said to be prepared to offer the Turkish international regular playing time and are ready to submit an ambitious bid to secure his services.
The former Fenerbahce academy graduate is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football. Despite Liverpool’s interest, Real Madrid are reportedly reluctant to sell and remain firmly in control of the situation.
Nevertheless, Liverpool may still test Madrid’s resolve, and Alonso’s potential arrival at Anfield could prove to be a decisive factor in convincing Guler to make the move.
Guler is currently representing Turkey on international duty and recently helped his national team secure a World Cup play-off semi-final victory over Romania. The 21-year-old delivered a brilliant assist for Ferdi Kadioglu to score the match’s only goal, setting up a decisive clash against Kosovo on Tuesday.
Victory in that match would see Turkey qualify for their first World Cup since 2002, when they famously finished third in a historic campaign.
