Liverpool’s search for a new manager looked set to be intertwined with Bayern Munich this summer.
Both on the hunt for replacements for Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel respectively, the Reds and Bayern shared some of the same targets.
Xabi Alonso was the obvious option for the two teams, and they were both said to be pushing hard to sign him up.
But with Alonso staying put at Bayer Leverkusen, attention turned elsewhere. For a time it seemed a battle may play out for the services of Roberto De Zerbi.
While Liverpool then moved quickly to tie up Arne Slot though, Bayern’s search hit the buffers. After being rejected by coach after coach, the German giants now look set to make a bizarre swoop for Burnley’s Vincent Kompany. And a former Liverpool player is seemingly going with him.
Craig Bellamy set for Bayern Munich role
Kompany quite clearly was not Bayern’s first, second or even third choice to succeed Tuchel.
It seems that the Manchester City legend could have been as far down the list as seventh or eighth at the Allianz Arena. Imagine the furore had FSG been so spectacularly hap-hazard in their search.
Coming off the back of a third-place finish and their first failure to win the league in 12 years, expectations will be lowered at Bayern. But it’s still a heck of a job for a coach who was relegated from the Premier League after a poor season with Burnley.
Luckily for Kompany, The Telegraph report that he’s set to take his crack team from Turf Moor with him to Bavaria.
Somewhat unbelievably, this includes former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. Currently one of Kompany’s assistant’s, it’s suggested that Bellamy will be in for a similar role in Munich.
An official appointment of the Belgian and his staff is said to be expected over the coming days.
When did Craig Bellamy play for Liverpool?
Not to do Bellamy down unfairly, but it seems surreal that he’ll soon be sitting on the bench at Bayern.
Although he was a decent player in his time, the Welshman was also something of a real journeyman. Liverpool were one of nine clubs he played for over an 18-year career. He’s nothing if not experienced.
Imagining him giving orders to luminaries like Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and indeed Harry Kane, will bring a smile to plenty of football fans faces.
Bellamy first joined Liverpool in 2006, under Rafa Benitez. The 44-year-old has since admitted that he was warned over making the move, with Benitez unlikely to give him much playing time.
After a year of that prediction coming true, Bellamy left, joining West Ham. That wasn’t the end of his Liverpool story, though. Despite his earlier misgivings, Bellamy returned to Anfield in 2011 under Kenny Dalglish. After winning the League Cup in 2012, he left again. And that was that.
All the best in Munich, Craig!