Liverpool could be pipped by Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen to a new signing this summer.
In a parallel universe, the Reds are gearing up for a first season with Alonso back at Anfield and in the dugout.
The former Liverpool player had long been seen as the overwhelming favourite to take over from Jurgen Klopp.
However, after Alonso decided to stay put at Leverkusen, he is instead looking to build on what was a momentous, double-winning campaign.
In order to do that, the 42-year-old is hoping to make some new additions at the BayArena. But in doing so he could run the risk of upsetting his old employers at Anfield even more.
Bayer Leverkusen pushing for Waldemar Anton signing
It is no secret that Liverpool are looking for a new defender this summer. The Reds appear to have made signing a new centre-back their top priority.
What the profile of that defender is remains to be seen. Leny Yoro is a clear target, although the chances of the youngster arriving seem to be slim.
If Yoro were to arrive, the likelihood is that he would play second-fiddle to Virgil van Dijk before eventually succeeding him.
However, with Van Dijk still looking good for years yet, maybe Liverpool would be better off bringing in more of a squad player to boost depth.
READ MORE: What Liverpool insiders are really saying about their chances of signing Leny Yoro this summer
That would feel like exactly what Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton would be signed to do. Liverpool have reportedly been in touch over buying Anton from the Bundesliga runners-up.
However, having had an impressive season and been called into Germany’s Euro 2024 squad, Anton is a wanted man. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, the 27-year-old is now in the sights of Alonso and Leverkusen.
“There have already been at least two calls between Xabi Alonso and Waldemar Anton!” reports Plettenberg. “Leverkusen now pushing to sign the 27 y/o center-back from Stuttgart and offering a contract until 2028!
“For Anton, there’s a competition between Leverkusen, Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart now. No verbal agreements yet. No final decision from Anton yet. Anton can leave VfB due to a release clause: €20-25 million without a deadline.”
Liverpool need to firm up centre-back plans
We could see the logic in Liverpool moving for Anton this summer. With a relatively low release clause, the Germany international would be a risk-free signing.
If Ibrahima Konate can find his form again, then Liverpool don’t necessarily need a new starting centre-back this summer.
Konate and Van Dijk can still be one of the best partnerships in Europe if Ibou can regain his level.
As a result, if Liverpool choose to bring in a top player to battle with Konate, it could lead to some unrest and instability in the XI.
Whereas if the Reds continue to back the Frenchman and bring in an experienced, high level option like Anton, they can then see where they are in a year’s time.
Having said that, if Yoro does suddenly become a genuine option for them, they have to go for him.
Either way, Liverpool need to start firming up their plans now before rivals cherry-pick their targets.