Exclusive: Bayern Munich make rival bid for Liverpool’s top target as Thomas Tuchel exit confirmed

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HITC understands that Bayern Munich have already made moves to try and beat Liverpool to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.

Bayern confirmed on Wednesday that Thomas Tuchel would not be continuing as their boss going into next season, a decision which HITC understands was made earlier this month.

The German giants have been looking at options to replace Tuchel now, and HITC revealed that former boss Hansi Flick and former Real Madrid and Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho were options under consideration.

But Bayern have thought decided not to make a mid-season change and are now determined to get through to the end of the season with Tuchel.

Confirmation

Bayern confirmed in a club statement that Tuchel would not be staying at the Allianz Arena with CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen commenting: “In a good, open discussion, we came to the decision to end our working relationship by mutual agreement in the summer. Our goal is to pursue a new footballing direction with a new head coach for the 2024/25 season.”

Tuchel added: “We have agreed that we will end our working relationship at the end of this season. Until then, I will of course continue to do everything I can with my coaching staff to achieve maximum success.”

The confirmation by Bayern, knowing they are making a fresh start, has allowed the club to begin work on who they want to succeed Tuchel and HITC is told that the club’s hierarchy have already made their decision that Alonso is the man they want.

Alonso has played a big part in Tuchel’s demise as his Bayer Leverkusen side inflicted comfortable 3-0 win over Bayern earlier this month which puts them on course for a shock Bundesliga title.

Alonso has transformed Bayer since arriving in 2022 and he is now emerging as the most in-demand manager in world football as it is not just Bayern who are keen – another of his former clubs, Liverpool, are also looking to land him.

Battle for Alonso

HITC revealed in January in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure that Alonso was already in their sights. Liverpool, who are also looking for a new sporting director, have been working in the background via owners FSG on a possible deal for Alonso.

With Barcelona also showing an interest in Alonso – the former Spanish international has a huge decision to make in the coming months, although publicly he insists he is concentrating on Bayer.

“At the moment, I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen,” he said earlier this year.