The former Real Madrid boss reportedly prioritizes an Anfield return while Bayern Munich’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge keeps the door open for a Bundesliga comeback.
Following his dramatic exit from Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has already begun plotting his next career move. Despite intense interest from Manchester City as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, reports suggest that Alonso’s heart is set on a return to Liverpool.
The Premier League Ambition According to insights from Bayern Space, there is a “growing belief” that Alonso’s coaching path is destined for England. While Manchester City represents a formidable sporting project, Liverpool remains the Spaniard’s personal preference.
“Liverpool has always held a special place in Alonso’s heart,” the report stated. “The internal feeling is that if both Premier League giants made an offer, his preference leans towards Anfield.”
A Deliberate Hiatus Alonso does not intend to jump into a new dugout immediately. After a tense period at the Santiago Bernabéu—where he reportedly felt “unprotected” by the board during locker room disputes—the 44-year-old is planning a six-month mental reset.
The goal is to use the remainder of the 2025/26 season to study the Premier League’s tactical evolution, ensuring he is “fully prepared” for a summer 2026 start. Sources indicate that Alonso already has “guarantees” from an unnamed top-tier club for June, though the identity of that team remains a closely guarded secret.
Following his departure from Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso held a phone call with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a figure with whom he has maintained a close and long-standing relationship for years. The exchange was described as warm, reflective, and respectful, with Rummenigge expressing…
— Bayern Space (@BayernSpace) January 13, 2026
The Bayern Connection While the Premier League is the likely destination, a return to Germany cannot be entirely ruled out. Alonso recently held a private conversation with Bayern Munich director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The two maintain a close relationship from Alonso’s playing days in Bavaria, and Rummenigge has reportedly “left the door open” for a future collaboration at the Allianz Arena.
For now, the football world waits. Whether he chooses the emotional pull of Liverpool or the structured dominance of Manchester City, Xabi Alonso remains the most sought-after free agent in world football.
