Liverpool may have already found their perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp when the German decides to depart Anfield.
Klopp's contract at Liverpool runs until the summer of 2026, by which point he will have brought up 11 years at the club.
The German has inspired a revolution throughout his time at Anfield, with Liverpool winning the Premier League and Champions League under his stewardship.
Klopp has hinted that he may try a new challenge once his current deal expires, stating earlier this year (quotes via Goal): "I don't know yet whether I'll do something completely different after I leave Liverpool. I want to keep my options open."
The 56-year-old has been linked with the Germany job in the past, but has turned the offer down before whilst reiterating his commitment to Liverpool.But when Klopp does depart Anfield, the Reds will need to have a succession plan in place - and they may already have the ideal candidate.One potential option for Reds fans, at least during the early days of Klopp's reign, was that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard could replace him at the helm.
The former England captain was successful at Rangers, helping them to win the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years.
That success earned him the Aston Villa role, but Gerrard struggled after the departure of influential assistant Michael Beale and was sacked with the side perilously close to the relegation zone. His successor, Unai Emery, lifted a strong squad into the Europa Conference League qualifying places.
Gerrard is now managing in Saudi Arabia with Al Ettifaq - and his chances of landing the Liverpool job have never looked so remote.
But another potential candidate is fellow former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.The Spaniard, who played at Anfield between 2004 and 2008, was a cult hero among Reds supporters and has earned his coaching stripes in charge of Real Sociedad's B team.
He was appointed as manager of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in October and, despite a slow start, implementing an attacking brand of football with great success.
Alonso guided the side to Europa League qualification last term, and they have won all three of their matches in the Bundesliga so far this season.
That success has led to him being linked with top roles elsewhere - but the ex-Liverpool star may decide to wait for one of his former clubs to come calling.
And according to Sport Bild (via Get Football News Germany), Alonso has a 'secret agreement' with Leverkusen that allows him to leave the club when he wants. While that may not be activated for a while yet, Liverpool could take advantage, if possible, when the time comes to appoint a new manager.
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