Alonso on the Move: European Giants Circle After Real Madrid Departure
14 January 2026
Alonso's Next Move in Europe's Coaching Spotlight
According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United face a tough task convincing Xabi Alonso, the recently sacked Real Madrid coach, to take over either club, with Liverpool emerging as the likely frontrunner in the race to sign the Spanish manager.
TEAMtalk reported that Spurs view Alonso as an option should they decide to part ways with Thomas Frank, citing poor results, a 14th place standing in the Premier League, and an exit from the FA Cup as context for a potential change.
By contrast, Liverpool insiders insist the club remains impressed by Alonso, who was courted in 2024 after Jurgen Klopp's departure, and there remains room to reopen talks if Arne Slot struggles to steady the ship.
Liverpool, Bayern, City in the Frame, with Klopp's Future in the Balance
The Spanish paper AS claimed three major clubs – Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City – were prioritizing Alonso, while acknowledging Klopp's future uncertainty and Pep Guardiola's status, leaving Vincent Kompany as the most stable figure among top coaches.
The report added that clubs grappling with instability, like Tottenham and Manchester United, will find it even harder to persuade Alonso to lead their project despite clear interest.
The former England star Steve McManaman said the Liverpool link would endure because of Alonso's history at the club, and he stressed this should not pressurize Arne Slot.
Punchlines: Alonso’s next move could be decided by a single phone call, and football’s transfer market is basically a giant game of chess—except nobody told the players when the clock runs out. Punchline 2: If Alonso signs with your club, congrats: your dressing room just learned a new language—tactics, with a dash of drama.
