Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso is now available after leaving his managerial role at Real Madrid.
Alonso was under pressure in Spain for some time before the recent loss to FC Barcelona proved to be the final straw.
The Spaniard’s exit comes at a time when Liverpool fans want Arne Slot to be replaced in the dugout.
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Whether that is going to happen soon or after the 2025/26 season remains to be seen, but there is now a possibility Alonso returns to his former club in a new role.
CHANGE MY MIND: Xabi Alonso should be appointed Liverpool manager as soon as possible 🔄
Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid C.F. Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Credit: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
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Liverpool and Manchester City could battle for Xabi Alonso
The midfielder enjoyed much success at Anfield, including lifting the Champions League.
Since transitioning into coaching, he has helped Bayer Leverkusen lift the Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich.
His time at Real Madrid did not go as planned, but he could still be an option for Liverpool and one of their Premier League rivals later this year.
Xabi Alonso during Real Madrid CF v Real Betis Balompie - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Speaking to Sky Sports, journalist Sam Leveridge said that if Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City, it could be a battle between the Sky Blues and the Reds for Alonso’s services.
He said: “For me the one [next club] that stands out is Liverpool. Obviously, the season not going to plan; that connection he has with the fans at Anfield.
“I feel like that would be the logical next step if you’re Xabi Alonso thinking about what’s next.
“I think it will be interesting to see where he ends up, if Manchester City have that vacancy, it could be a battle between those two.”
Is winning the FA Cup enough to keep Arne Slot in a job beyond 2025/26? If not, why? 🤔
Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts The Emirates FA Cup trophy after their sides victory during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
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What Pep Guardiola has said about leaving Manchester City
Crucially, Guardiola is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the 2026/27 season.
There were suggestions in December, as per ESPN, that Man City were planning for life after Pep and had looked at Enzo Maresca as an option.
However, when quizzed on his future at the time of those rumours, the former Barcelona coach said: “The last three or four years, every time during a certain, period someone asks me that question.
“Sooner or later, when I’m 75 or 76, I will quit Manchester City! I understand the question when I have the end of a contract (coming) but I have 18 months left and I am so delighted and happy and excited about the development of the team and being there. That is all I can say.
“That question happens every single season at a certain point and I’m OK. The club and I are incredibly connected in terms of the decisions we have to take and when it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen.
“There are no discussions – end of the subject. There are no discussions. I will not be eternally here, but I’ve said before I will not be here forever. None of us will be forever in this world but there are no discussions.”
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