Liverpool to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp successor as Anfield audition awaits

Race to Roberto de Zerbi: Why Barcelona’s Loss could be Liverpool’s Gain

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi is one of the most in-demand managers in European football as of now, with multiple clubs vying for his services in the upcoming summer window. He has been subject to extensive links with Barcelona and Liverpool, as both clubs look to bring a man that’d lead them into their next era.

Although Barcelona have reportedly turned their ears to what Pep Guardiola has to say, owing to his recommendation, the Catalonia giants have raised their foot off the gas for the former Sassuolo manager.

Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with a move to replace Klopp at Liverpool. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Football Espana journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Barcelona have dropped the Italian from the target list as the 44-year-old prefers to stay in the Premier League, while his hefty release clause of €14–15 million is standing in the way of a possible move to Barcelona.

Barcelona are looking at Roberto de Zerbi as Xabi Alonso's alternative. — Barcelona are looking at Roberto de Zerbi as Xabi Alonso’s alternative.

While relaying his words about RDZ’s move to Barcelona, Matteo Moretto insists that Bayern Munich has made Roberto de Zerbi their first choice to replace Thomas Tuchel in the summer following Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. The 44-year-old is expected to soon hold talks with Liverpool as well, who are also looking for Alonso alternatives, with Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim linked.

Sobre la posibilidad de que Roberto De Zerbi se convierta en el nuevo entrenador del Barcelona, nunca he cambiado mi línea de lo que expliqué inicialmente. Imposible. ❌

De Zerbi tiene una cláusula, de algo menos de 15 millones de euros, y hay clubes de la Premier League que… https://t.co/8XtgmkAwFV
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) March 28, 2024

Barcelona are also looking to sit down with their current manager, Xavi Hernandez, and speak about a potential stay at the club. Club President Joan Laporta is reportedly looking to sit down with Xavi and try speaking to their club legend about extending his time at the club. Although they will be leaving it is too late to make any plans for the summer.

More Liverpool news

For Liverpool, one competitor less in their bid to bring a compactable coach down the Anfield Road. Roberto de Zerbi is set to visit Anfield Stadium later today to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool as the officials behind the scenes at Merseyside will be following him closely during his time at the stadium.

It’s an audition, one that may deter Liverpool’s title hopes…