Liverpool’s reported interest in Vinicius Junior has already sparked debate among supporters. Still, an admission from the Real Madrid star about Xabi Alonso suggests a move to Anfield would not work for both of them.
With Vinicius being monitored as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Alonso widely tipped as a leading managerial target for Liverpool’s future, comments made by the Brazilian about his relationship with the Spaniard are suddenly relevant.
If both names continue to be linked with Anfield, their history together is unlikely to go unnoticed.
Liverpool watching Vinicius situation as Salah replacement plans take shape
Liverpool are linked with a sensational opportunity to sign Vinicius Junior, with uncertainty reportedly growing around his long-term future at Real Madrid.
As recently reported, TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested that several Premier League clubs have been alerted to the possibility that Vinicius could become available amid ongoing contract uncertainty and shifting dynamics at Madrid.
Intermediaries have contacted Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea regarding the potential availability of Vinicius Junior this summer, @TEAMtalk can reveal.
Real insist Vini Jnr will be sold if he does not sign a new deal this summer.https://t.co/N5PCPiUs4l
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) April 5, 2026
For Liverpool, it’s unlikely Vini will be a serious target given both the finances involved and his personality not being a good fit for Anfield.
With Salah expected to leave at the end of the season, the club is preparing for life without the player who has defined its attacking output for nearly a decade. Replacing that level of influence will require a winger capable of producing elite numbers while also becoming the new focal point of the forward line.
Few players in world football match that description, and Vinicius is widely seen as one of the only players close to Salah’s level.
But as exciting as the possibility sounds on paper, other factors suggest the move is not straightforward at all.
What Vinicius has already said about Xabi Alonso
One of the more intriguing aspects of the situation stems from comments Vinicius made about his time working under Xabi Alonso earlier in his career.
The Brazilian admitted that he did not feel a strong connection with Alonso’s ideas, explaining that the two never fully clicked during their time together.
The Madridista was chosen for media duty ahead of Real’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, and was asked to comment about Alonso.
• Why did you not say goodbye to Xabi Alonso on Social Media?
??? ???: Vinicius: "It was a difficult moment because I was playing many games but with few minutes. Every manager has their own things, and maybe we did not connect well."
"But I learned a lot, I reflected, and… pic.twitter.com/NTkFjvKuGi
— The Touchline | ? (@TouchlineX) April 6, 2026
While he has spoken warmly about other coaches who helped him develop, his relationship with Alonso was described as less natural, with the winger suggesting that understanding between player and manager simply never materialised in the same way.
“It wasn’t a nice moment,” he conceded. “I apologised to everyone. I like to play every game and I didn’t come off in any of them.
“Later, with a clear head, you can understand that you made a mistake. I’m young and every day is a new experience where you can improve.”
Commenting further on his relationship with the Liverpool-linked Alonso, Vinicius said: “I played matches, but not many minutes. But every coach has their methods and I didn’t connect with him the way he wanted.
“But it was a learning experience and I hope I can continue with [Alvaro] Arbeloa, with whom I have a wonderful connection and who has always given me confidence.”
Alonso is a perfect fit for Liverpool, but Vinicius is not destined to wear Red
There is no doubt about Vinicius’ quality.
At just 25 years old, the Real Madrid winger has already produced extraordinary numbers, recording 141 goals and 101 assists. Figures that underline his status as one of world football’s elite attackers.
From a purely tactical perspective, he would offer Liverpool exactly the type of explosive one-on-one threat that has made him one of the most feared wide players in Europe.
Yet signing Vinicius would involve more than simply evaluating his talent.
Reports from Saudi Arabia have suggested astronomical salary figures could be on offer elsewhere, while his estimated €150m (£130m) market value would likely require Liverpool to break the Premier League transfer record once again.
Alonso, however, is a perfect fit. Well, almost. Even though the Spaniard’s personality, connection with Anfield and tactical nous are important, there remain questions over whether his preference for three-at-the-back systems would translate in the Premier League.
His history with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong is a strong plus, though. If Arne Slot is sacked in the near future, there doesn’t appear to be a better fit currently linked.