Liverpool managerial target Xabi Alonso does have a “gentleman’s agreement” with Bayer Leverkusen that allows him to leave for a “bigger club”, according to Jan Aage Fjortoft.

The former footballer turned journalist says that the agreement doesn’t include Bayern Munich and that could prove significant as the reigning Bundesliga champions are said to be considering the 42-year-old as a potential replacement for Thomas Tuchel:

Apparently Alonso has a gentlemen’s agreement with Leverkusen.

«Can leave for a bigger club»

I don’t think that includes Bayern.
Yes! Generally the Bundesliga-clubs are generous letting players and coaches go to Bayern.

But I guess there must be a limit somewhere…

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) February 16, 2024

If Fjortoft’s sources are accurate, it would hand Liverpool a massive advantage over Bayern in the battle to secure Alonso’s services for next season.

Klopp has been effusive in his praise for the Leverkusen head coach

At his press conference on Friday afternoon, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sang the praises of his potential successor, stating he is the standout manager of his generation:

“The next generation is already there and I would say Xabi is a standout in that department. [He is a] former world-class player, from a coaching family as well, which helps a little, he was like a coach already when he was playing. The football he is playing, the teams he sets up, the transfers he did, it is absolutely exceptional.”

Who are the favourites to be the next Liverpool manager?

At the bookmakers, Alonso remains odds-on to succeed Klopp in the dugout at Anfield. Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is known to be high on the list of candidates as well.

Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann are also likely to come under consideration. FSG have, though, not yet formally started the recruitment process but that should kick into gear in the coming weeks.