It’s hard to remember a summer when so much was at stake across European football. Several top clubs are forced to make big decisions, from player transfers to manager changes.
This could come as a jarring blow for Manchester United bosses, as at least one of the players involved has already been tipped to be on the move in the summer, with Manchester United reportedly eyeing a move for Choameni. United are set to lose Casemiro in the summer, while Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, just two years after joining the Red Devils.
The three-time European champions have already secured a place in next season’s Champions League, and their transfer fee will be topped up ahead of the summer transfer window. But while that may make signing Choameny easier, the Valverde saga could also influence Liverpool’s decision to sack Arne Slott and hire Xabi Alonso.
Alonso held a number of positions after his short stint at the helm of Real Madrid, but many said this proved he was unfit to manage a team at such a level. Alonso, who took over after a hugely successful summer as Bayer Leverkusen manager, only lasted until January before being sacked by the record-breaking European champions.
But with reports of a crisis behind closed doors at Real Madrid, with multiple players believed to be at odds with each other, it’s clear Alonso is not the biggest problem in the dressing room. The Spanish manager kept his move to Real Madrid a secret, given that the team is clearly full of egos and has not presented a united front all season.
His six months in the Spanish capital should not be used to undermine his achievements at Leverkusen, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most promising managers. Slott may have delivered the league title last year, but Alonso has the potential to define the management of European football for the next decade and Liverpool shouldn’t risk anyone else benefiting from his talent.
