Xabi Alonso is being strongly linked with a return to Liverpool as manager, and the former midfielder's reported thoughts on a return to Anfield briefly emerged on social media
James Findlater Content Editor
20:05, 26 Jan 2026
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 14: Xabi Alonso arriving at a restaurant on January 14, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Antonio Gutierrez/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has been linked with Liverpool following his firing from Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso would reportedly be happy to return to Liverpool as the former Reds midfielder continues to be linked with replacing Arne Slot at Anfield.
Alonso is out of work after being fired by Real Madrid earlier this month. Despite making a solid start to life back at the Bernabeu, he was dismissed following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final amid ongoing tensions with his squad.
His short spell with Real doesn’t look to have damaged his reputation too much though, with the former Bayer Leverkusen boss having already been linked with a return to management - and Liverpool seems to be the club he’s most touted for.
READ MORE: Liverpool terminates loan deal amid injury crisis as transfer plans emergeREAD MORE: Liverpool news as Arne Slot favorite to be next Premier League manager fired
Slot is coming under increasing pressure amid what has been a poor season for the Reds following last season’s title win.
Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth means they’ve taken just four points from their last five Premier League games, and have dropped out of the top four, putting their Champions League hopes for next season in jeopardy.
While they are well placed in Europe this season, their domestic form has left plenty to be desired. After winning their first five league games, Liverpool has gone on to claim victory just another five times in the subsequent 18 outings.
Xabi Alonso is being linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool
Xabi Alonso is being linked with replacing Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Slot has even found himself having to field questions about being replaced by Alonso, much to his and Virgil van Dijk’s bemusement, with momentum seemingly growing behind the former midfielder - so much so that Alonso himself has now reportedly left himself open to the possibility of taking over at Anfield.
Sky Sports reporter Alan Irwin gave an update on the speculation on Monday, saying: “Xabi Alonso’s name is constantly mentioned in these parts and sources close to him indicate he would be more than happy with a return to the club where he was adored by fans during his playing career here.”
Curiously, the post on X, which included the clip of Irwin giving his update, has since been deleted by Sky Sports News, raising further intrigue over his links with a return.
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Reports in Spain have claimed that Liverpool has already contacted Alonso’s representatives to inquire about his availability, with the feedback said to have been positive.
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Although the speculation around his future is growing, Slot was in no mood to discuss the possibility of Alonso replacing him when the subject was brought up last week.
"This is one of the weirdest questions I have ever received,” Slot responded. “I am working here for over one and a half years and I am enjoying my work.
"I won the league last season and obviously we have struggled in the league this season. I don't know what to say."