LIVERPOOL – The prospect of Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield has gained significant momentum following his recent resignation from Real Madrid. While the Spaniard originally planned to take a sabbatical until June 2026, reports from Marca suggest he would be willing to return to the dugout immediately if Liverpool made a formal approach.
Alonso, who remains a beloved figure on Merseyside, is currently prioritizing family time but is understood to be “deeply in love” with the club where he won the Champions League as a player.
The Arne Slot Dilemma
Despite the rumors, Liverpool find themselves in a complex position. Arne Slot still retains significant credit internally after leading the Reds to a Premier League title last season. However, despite heavy investment exceeding £400 million in recent windows, fans have expressed frustration with the team’s current style of play.
The club hierarchy has a historical reputation for patience, and the current stance is to support Slot until the end of the season. Nevertheless, the availability of a world-class manager like Alonso who mastered the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen could force a reassessment if results in the Champions League continue to falter.
Reuniting the Leverkusen Connection
What makes the potential appointment of Xabi Alonso even more enticing for Liverpool is the tactical shift it would represent. Unlike Slot’s traditional setup, Alonso is a pioneer of the three-defender system that dominated Germany.
His arrival would also serve as a massive boost for two of the club’s key assets:
- Florian Wirtz: The German playmaker flourished under Alonso at Leverkusen, and a reunion could unlock his world-class potential at Anfield.
- Jeremie Frimpong: Another former champion under Alonso, Frimpong’s wing-back profile is perfectly suited to the Spaniard’s tactical philosophy.
While Slot remains focused on defending the Premier League crown, the shadow of Xabi Alonso looms large over Anfield. Should the Reds decide to move in a new direction this summer, the “prodigal son” appears ready to answer the call.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
