Liverpool chiefs are reportedly beginning to 'dream' of appointing Xabi Alonso as manager this summer - in a move that would see him replace Arne Slot as boss at Anfield.
The former Real Madrid boss departed by mutual consent on Monday after a Supercopa Espana defeat to rivals Barcelona, opening the door to his next managerial challenge.
And, having been described as 'one of the best in the world' by Carlo Ancelotti, who he preceded on Merseyside, that has seen Alonso tipped with multiple jobs - which Liverpool are thought to be in the hat for.
Report: Liverpool Have Dreams of Appointing Xabi Alonso as Manager
xabi alonso
The report by Spanish outlet Fichajes states that Xabi Alonso's unexpected exit from Real Madrid still hasn't managed to threaten his reputation as a manager, owing to the good work that he put in at Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
As a result, Liverpool are already 'closely monitoring' Alonso's next steps in management, with Spain-based newspaper AS further confirming that alongside Bayern Munich and Manchester City, they see the former Reds player as the 'ideal figure' to lead their projects.
Although Alonso has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over from Pep Guardiola at present, Liverpool are also closely monitoring Alonso, who has been dubbed an 'absolute legend' on the red half of Merseyside. Slot's tenure has been questioned this season, raising concerns amongst fans and the board, which means the possibility of seeing Alonso in the Anfield dugout is growing.
Alonso is thought to be 'taking some time' to reflect before deciding on his next managerial venture. He will have no shortage of offers, and the Premier League remains his most likely destination - potentially seeing the Reds claiming their winning identity back, one that they showed at will under Dutch boss Slot throughout last season.
Xabi Alonso to Liverpool Makes a Lot of Sense
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso
For Liverpool fans, it does appear to be a dream move.
Slot does have credit in the bank, having won the Premier League last season, but a collapse in form this season does need to be addressed with the Reds close to slipping out of the Champions League spots.
Alonso is four years younger than Slot, and his efforts in the Bundesliga will remain in the history books for some time.
But the cherry on top is that his affinity with Liverpool stretches over a five-year period, where he scored the equaliser in the famous Istanbul 2005 Champions League final, as well as winning the FA Cup with the Reds.