The summer of 2026 is set to bring an extreme merry-go-round of managers at top European clubs, and Liverpool could be indelibly involved.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds pull the trigger on Arne Slot, but they are certainly not short of a clear candidate should they decide to relieve the Dutchman of his duties.
Having been fired by Real Madrid on Monday, former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is now as free as a bird. The Spaniard’s new-found availability has surely piqued some kind of interest at Anfield.
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Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Alonso had been under pressure at Madrid for months, eventually biting the bullet after Los Blancos lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Clasico rivals Barcelona.
In his place has come another former Liverpool player – Alvaro Arbeloa – with the former right-back initially in charge on an interim basis. Setting their eyes on what comes next, there have been strong suggestions that Madrid could look to tempt Jurgen Klopp out of his retirement from coaching. As those rumours continue to create headlines, journalist Fabrizio Romano has outlined whether it could really happen.
Real Madrid move is completely in Jurgen Klopp’s hands
Although it seemed that Klopp had initially ruled out joining Real Madrid, reports from Germany later claimed that the Liverpool legend was considering the possibility.
Now speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that there is some interest from Real’s side, but the first move has to come from Klopp.
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid CF - UEFA Champions League Final 2023/24
Photo by Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp would fail miserably at Real Madrid, just ask Xabi Alonso
“The answers I’m getting on this is that Jurgen Klopp has many fans at Real Madrid, he’s really appreciated internally by some people,” said the reporter.
“But the same people say this must come from Klopp. It’s not Real Madrid going to Klopp and saying ‘would you like to return to coaching?’ This is not Real Madrid’s style.
“They would only consider Jurgen Klopp in the summer if Arbeloa goes – and that’s not guaranteed because this will depend on results – but they would only consider him if he decides to return to coaching. This is something that must start from Jurgen Klopp, so let’s see what he decides to do.”
How would you react if Jurgen Klopp joins Real Madrid as manager?
Jurgen Klopp addresses fans at Anfield after his final game as Liverpool manager in May 2024 (Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC
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Is there a chance Klopp wants to join Real Madrid?
Throughout his career at Liverpool, Klopp had two rivals who really limited the trophies he won with the Reds: Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Having ruled out joining another English club completely, he will not be going to City any time soon, and it is also hard to see how he fits in at Madrid.
Given his standing in the game he would no doubt command the respect of star players such as Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jnr. But so did Alonso initially. Things can quickly unravel if a manager demands more than these over-preened divas are willing to deliver, and it is hard to see Klopp suiting that environment.
Nevertheless, the German has been something of an underdog throughout his life in football. Maybe he will just fancy a taste of being at a club which is set up from top to bottom as the biggest in the world.
For now, it feels unlikely that Klopp would wish to end his new-found freedom and return to the touchline at all. If he does, Madrid would also seem like a strange choice. Whatever he does decide, though, Jurgen should know that he has the blessing of the Liverpool fanbase. He’s earned that right.
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