Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly eager for his next job to be in the Premier League, having departed Real Madrid after just seven months.
Xabi Alonso’s Next Job: The State of Play
Summer move: Alonso is “keen” on a Premier League job after leaving Real Madrid, but will reportedly only consider offers for a summer start.
Anfield links: Alonso has admitted a return to Liverpool is an option “for sure,” though FSG currently back Arne Slot despite recent struggles.
Coveted coach: Beyond Liverpool, Alonso is linked to Tottenham and, tentatively, both Man City and Man United, making him the most in-demand coach in football.
Real Madrid‘s decision to part ways with Alonso a week ago came as a shock to many – and has made the Spaniard the most-coveted coach in football.
The 44-year-old has already been touted as a possible replacement for Thomas Frank at Tottenham, along with muted links with Man United, while his name will loom over Arne Slot as Liverpool’s struggles continue.
According to the Times‘ Tom Allnutt, Alonso is “keen on a move to the Premier League,” though he will only consider offers for the summer.
It is an understandable position, given the difficulty in taking over a club and implementing a tactical plan midway through a hectic campaign.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
That is particularly so at clubs competing at the top end of the Premier League as well as in the Champions League, with both surely prerequisites for Alonso’s next job.
There has been speculation over whether he could in fact be primed to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City, though their overtures for then-Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca suggest an alternative plan.
Clearly the chances of Alonso taking over at Tottenham are slim, and both Mauricio Pochettino and Andoni Iraola are touted as options while newly appointed assistant John Heitinga could fill the role in the interim if Frank is sacked.
What Xabi Alonso has said about managing in the Premier League and Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, November 3, 2025: Real Madrid's manager Xabi Alonso during a press conference at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking while still in charge at Real Madrid in December, Alonso admitted a return to the Premier League – and specifically Liverpool – would “for sure” be an option for him in the future.
“There’s this bond with the English clubs, for sure with my former club, but at the moment this is my place. This is where I want to be,” he told reporters.
“In the future, you never know what could happen.”
As reported on Sunday, Liverpool currently have no plans to relieve Slot of his duties as the Dutchman works through a turbulent period despite a run of 12 games unbeaten.
Alonso made 210 appearances for the Reds between 2004 and 2009, helping win the Champions League and the FA Cup under Rafa Benitez, before joining Real Madrid in a £30 million deal.