Next Liverpool manager: Reds approached Bologna for Thiago Motta

Liverpool are shortly expected to announce the signing of Arne Slot as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, bringing an end to an extensive search that has taken many twists and turns over the past few months. 

The 56-year-old German shocked the world back in January when he announced his intention to depart at the end of the season, citing fatigue, and speculation immediately turned to who could replace him. 

The early frontrunner - and fans’ choice - was former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, but the Spain World Cup winner has opted to remain with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. 

Ruben Amorim was then the favoured name, but the Sporting CP boss torpedoed his chances by taking a private plane to London last week in order to carry out talks with West Ham over becoming their new manager. 

Then Slot’s name moved into focus with the Feyenoord coach last week confirming his desire to move to Merseyside.

Slot, 45, has led the Rotterdam side to the KNVB Beker (Dutch cup) this season and also added the Eredivisie title last term. 

The Dutchman is a two-time manager of the year in his homeland and reached the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League final in 2022, where his Feyenoord side were beaten by Roma. 

Although Slot is now imminent, Liverpool did their due diligence on a host of other candidates with Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann among the other coaches linked.

And now it’s been revealed that Liverpool made an approach to Bologna for their highly-regarded coach Thiago Motta during their search for a Klopp successor. 

Unfancied Bologna have gatecrashed the Italian Champions League places this season with Motta’s side currently sitting fourth ahead of sides with much bigger resources like Roma and Napoli. 

Motta, 41, has attracted the plaudits for the manner in which his side have upended the order in Serie A this term and recently found himself on the recruitment shortlists of clubs such as Manchester United, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Barcelona. 

The Brazil-born former Italy international midfielder made his name at Barcelona, Inter and PSG before moving into coaching roles with Genoa, Spezia and now Bologna.

It is now expected that Juventus will hire Motta as a replacement for Max Allegri at the end of the season. 

Liverpool made move for Thiago Motta

However, Sky Sport transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that while he foresees Motta moving to Turin, other clubs have been in touch with Bologna regarding his availability. 

"A great club always has alternatives, [Juventus sporting director, Cristiano] Giuntoli will certainly have a plan B and a plan C, with all due respect,” Di Marzio said. 

“We are not aware of this because Juve's idea is to bring Thiago Motta, who is also currently focused on the end of the season and will then communicate his choice to Bologna.

"There are several clubs that have inquired from abroad, Manchester United, Liverpool, Porto if Conceicao doesn't remain, but among all these teams I think that Juventus is the one with the most possibilities. 

“Then we will have to find a solution with Allegri, to close the relationship with him in the most peaceful way."