The shockwaves from the Santiago Bernabéu have reached the Premier League. Following his dismissal from Real Madrid on Monday, Xabi Alonso has immediately emerged as the top target for Manchester United and a ‘nostalgic’ priority for Liverpool.
While Real Madrid moves on with Álvaro Arbeloa, the English giants are reassessing their managerial situations. Alonso, who remains one of Europe’s most coveted tactical minds despite his stint in Spain, now holds the keys to the next major coaching transition in England.
Manchester United: The Wilcox Project
At Old Trafford, the situation is delicate. While Michael Carrick is expected to steady the ship as interim manager, INEOs and Technical Director Jason Wilcox are reportedly exploring a long-term move for Alonso.
The Challenge: Alonso is known to demand total control over sporting decisions and transfer strategy a condition that may clash with United’s new centralized structure.
The Goal: Wilcox must convince Alonso that United offers the stability and “reconstruction project” capable of restoring his reputation after the Madrid exit.
Liverpool: The ‘Leverkusen Connection’
The pressure on Arne Slot at Anfield has intensified with Alonso’s sudden availability. For many Liverpool fans, Alonso is the “one who got away” before he chose Madrid last year.
Liverpool holds a significant advantage in any potential negotiation: The Leverkusen Core. The Reds’ squad currently features Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, the two pillars of Alonso’s historic Bundesliga-winning side. A reunion at Anfield is a romantic and tactical narrative that the Liverpool board may find impossible to ignore if Slot’s season continues to underwhelm.
The Verdict: Summer or Sooner?
While Manchester United looks for an immediate identity, Liverpool’s hierarchy is weighing the cost of sticking with Slot versus the “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to bring Xabi home. With both clubs monitoring his every move, the battle for Alonso’s signature could be the defining story of the 2026 pre-season.
Ver esta publicação no Instagram
