Xabi Alonso's new destinations: three teams could be interested in the Spaniard
The former Real Madrid coach could analyze new options in european football, acording to AS.
The dismissal of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid has undoubtedly been the biggest story in the world of football this week. After only seven months in charge, the 44-year-old Spaniard was relieved of his duties despite boasting a statistically impressive 75% win rate. However, in the high-stakes environment of the 15-time Champions League winners, numbers only tell half the story.
The devastating loss to FC Barcelona in the Super Cup final, combined with a fractured relationship with several heavyweight players in the locker room, forced Florentino Pérez and the board to pull the trigger. Yet, a coach of Alonso’s pedigree does not stay on the market for long. According to the latest reports from the Spanish outlet Diario AS, three of the most prestigious clubs in Europe are already preparing offers to secure the services of the most coveted "free agent" in modern coaching.
The Suitors: Where Will the "Mastermind" Land?
The interest in Xabi Alonso is rooted in his historic 2023-2024 campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, where he shattered records by winning the Bundesliga undefeated, securing the German Cup, and reaching the Europa League final. Now, three of his former clubs (or rivals) are circling:
1. Liverpool: The Sentimental Favorite
The connection between Xabi Alonso and Anfield is legendary. Having played for the "Reds" between 2004 and 2009, he was a pivotal part of the "Miracle of Istanbul" in 2005 and the FA Cup win in 2006.
- The Situation: While Arne Slot took over the post-Klopp era with high expectations, recent inconsistent results have placed him under immense scrutiny.
- The Fit: Liverpool fans have been clamoring for Alonso since Klopp announced his departure last year. His return would be a romantic homecoming, and his tactical flexibility is seen as the perfect evolution for Liverpool’s current roster.
2. Manchester City: The Tactical Heir to Pep
This is perhaps the most intriguing possibility. Pep Guardiola’s future at the Etihad remains a subject of constant speculation, with many believing the 2025/26 season could be his last.
- The Connection: Alonso played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich (2014-2016), where he was often described as Pep’s "on-field general."
- The Strategy: Manchester City’s hierarchy views Alonso as the natural successor to the "City Football Group" methodology. He understands the positional play, the high-pressing demands, and the administrative structure required to lead a multi-million dollar project.
3. Bayern Munich: The "Full Circle" Move
While Vincent Kompany is currently enjoying a period of stability and success with the Bavarian giants, Bayern Munich is a club that never stops planning for the future.
- The Background: Alonso is a respected figure in Munich, having finished his playing career there in 2017.
- The Narrative: After Alonso embarrassed Bayern by ending their eleven-year Bundesliga dominance with Leverkusen, the Bayern board is keen to have that "winning DNA" on their side of the dugout rather than against it.
Why Alonso Remains a "Top-Tier" Asset
Despite the "failure" at Real Madrid, the consensus in Europe is that the environment at the Bernabéu was the problem, not Alonso’s talent. The tactical "Anti-Robot" philosophy he championed—giving players freedom while maintaining a strict defensive structure—is exactly what modern elite squads are looking for.
At 44, he represents the new wave of "thinker" coaches. He isn't just a motivator; he is a specialist who builds systems. Whether it is the high-octane atmosphere of the Premier League or the tactical rigor of the Bundesliga, Alonso’s resume speaks for itself.
A Short Summer for the Spaniard
Xabi Alonso currently finds himself in a rare position: he is a manager with the luxury of choice. While his exit from Real Madrid was abrupt and marked by internal conflict, his prestige remains intact. For Florentino Pérez, the Alonso chapter is closed, but for the rest of Europe’s elite, the race to sign the man who revolutionized German football has only just begun. It is not a question of if Xabi Alonso will return to a major bench, but rather which iconic stadium he will call home by the start of the next season.
