Fabrizio Romano has dismissed weeks of speculation suggesting Xabi Alonso is on course for a return to Anfield, confirming Liverpool have not made direct contact with the Spaniard or his representatives in 2026. The Italian transfer guru also dismissed reports that a switch to Chelsea is being formally agreed upon.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid on 12 January 2026, his short stint at the Santiago Bernabéu ending with a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. But while he won 24 of 34 matches in charge, relationships with senior players went awry, including a high-profile fall-out with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking about Alonso’s links to both Premier League clubs, Fabrizio Romano said:
“I can guarantee that Liverpool this year never made any direct approach with Xabi Alonso or his agents. I can guarantee nothing is advanced or concrete on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea. Xabi Alonso is ready to restart. He is very open to opportunities around Europe if he can find the right project. There will be an end of season review at Liverpool.”
Romano said that Liverpool still prefer to continue with Arne Slot, who delivered the Premier League title in his debut campaign last season. There will be an internal review at the end of this campaign, but the way things are going at the moment is very much towards stability under the Dutchman. For his part, Alonso is said to be recharged and patient as he weighs his next move.
Filipe Luis: Another Name To Watch On Manager Market
Away from the Alonso soap opera, another interesting name for the European managerial market this summer is Filipe Luís, the current Flamengo boss, said Romano. The 40-year-old Brazilian has maintained strong admiration from elite clubs since his meteoric rise following his appointment in October 2024.
The former Atlético Madrid and Chelsea defender has won several domestic honours with Flamengo, and their emphatic 3-1 win over Premier League Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup announced him on the world stage. He has signed a contract extension worth €4m (£3.3m) per year for himself and his coaching staff, tying him to the Brazilian giants until December 2027.
Filipe Luís, though, still has to pass the test of obtaining his UEFA Pro Licence to be officially allowed to manage in top European leagues such as the Premier League. His representation by super-agent Jorge Mendes should see his profile rise dramatically across the continent. Once he clears that qualification hurdle, his name could skyrocket up the charts, with Chelsea actively hunting and Liverpool possibly looking at him this summer.