Liverpool Make Contact With Real Madrid Over Xabi Alonso’s Availability As Managerial Option

Liverpool have made direct contact with Real Madrid to enquire about the availability of Xabi Alonso, according to reports, in what appears to signal the Premier League club is conducting contingency planning around its managerial position.

The approach is notable given that widespread reports from Merseyside indicate Arne Slot is fully expected to retain the head coaching role at Anfield heading into next season. Despite that, Liverpool are reportedly carrying out due diligence on the Spanish tactician as part of their background work.

Alonso is not an unfamiliar name in Liverpool’s managerial deliberations. When Jürgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder was identified as the club’s primary replacement target. Alonso declined that approach, opting instead to continue his managerial development at Bayer Leverkusen, where he had built a remarkable reputation. His time in Germany culminated in an historic unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga title — an invincible campaign that elevated his profile considerably across European football.

Following that achievement, Alonso made the decision to return to the Spanish capital, taking charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. His departure from Leverkusen effectively closed the door on Liverpool’s initial pursuit, prompting the club to turn to Slot, who has since taken charge at Anfield.

However, Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid ended in failure. His time at the club was marked by a highly publicised and damaging fallout with star forward Vinícius Júnior, with the dispute centred on substitution decisions made by the manager during matches. According to reports, Alonso’s rigid in-game management and strict demands created a toxic atmosphere within the dressing room, a situation that deteriorated to a point where the club moved to relieve him of his duties. Álvaro Arbeloa was subsequently appointed to take charge and stabilise the campaign.

With Alonso now available following his premature exit from Real Madrid, Liverpool’s reported enquiry suggests the club may be monitoring the situation should circumstances at Anfield change. It remains unclear at this stage whether any formal offer or advanced discussions have taken place, and sources suggest the contact made so far amounts to information-gathering rather than a concrete approach.

The development arrives at a significant moment in the European football calendar, with clubs across the continent beginning to assess their managerial structures ahead of the summer window. Alonso, despite the turbulent end to his Real Madrid spell, retains considerable standing as one of the most sought-after young coaches in the game, built largely on the foundation of his extraordinary Leverkusen achievement.