Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly among the clubs interested in 44-year-old Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso after his Real Madrid exit.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on landing Xabi Alonso. The two Premier League bigwigs are scouring the managerial market for a top-class candidate amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola. So, the 44-year-old former Real Madrid manager has emerged as a target for them. However, they face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for his signature.

How has Xabi Alonso fared in the managerial world?

Xabi Alonso has established himself as one of the best young managers in the world in the last few years. The Spaniard was among the finest players of his generation, enjoying trophy-laden spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He also represented Spain and won the UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The 44-year-old called time on his professional career in 2017 and immediately entered the coaching sphere. Alonso initially cut his teeth at Real Sociedad and assumed charge of the Basque club’s reserve side before taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. He had a transformative effect on the German outfit, guiding Die Werkself to the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in his first full season with the German club while finishing as the runners-up in the UEFA Europa League.

The Spanish tactician’s next coaching assignment came with Real Madrid, and he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu before the 2025/26 season began. However, Alonso endured a whirlwind of a spell with Los Blancos and parted ways with the club earlier this week. Nevertheless, his stock remains high despite lasting at Real Madrid for less than a season, with Liverpool and Manchester City among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League return on the horizon?

Xabi Alonso has been on Liverpool’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Arne Slot is under the pump at Anfield after struggling in his second season with the Merseyside outfit. Several candidates have thus emerged on Liverpool’s wishlist, with Alonso also a viable target.

As for Manchester City, Alonso has also been a target for them for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as Pep Guardiola’s long-term future is uncertain, as he may call time on his spell at the Etihad after the 2025/26 season. So, Alonso is an option worth considering for Manchester City.

Interestingly, reports a few years ago suggested that Alonso would like to manage Liverpool in his coaching career. However, the Reds and Manchester City face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the Spanish tactician’s signature, although it is unlikely that they will part ways with Vincent Kompany anytime soon. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the former Real Madrid boss.