Exclusive: Former Liverpool man leading Chelsea's Xabi Alonso charge | OneFootball

One former Liverpool man is leading Chelsea's pursuit for Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard could take over at Stamford Bridge.

There are reports everywhere on Tuesday that Chelsea are in the mix for Xabi Alonso. The Blues need a new head coach after sacking Liam Rosenior last month.

Their shortlist has Alonso on it - along with the likes of Andoni Iraola. It's something of a blow to Liverpool fans, at least, many of whom were hoping their former midfielder would take over at Anfield.

But it's incredibly unclear whether the club itself sees things that way. In fact, it increasingly appears they're not particularly interested in Alonso.

Instead, Chelsea have an opportunity to steal the ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss. Anfield Watch understands that pursuit is being at least partly led by Dave Fallows, formerly of Liverpool.

Fallows was on the books at Anfield for 12 years, before leaving his role as director of scouting and recruitment in late 2024. He subsequently joined Chelsea's 'sporting leadership team' in late 2025.

iNews reports that Chelsea are willing to cede more power to their next manager, allowing them some control over transfers. Alonso, who battled against a lack of control at Real Madrid, may find that to be the best offer for his next role.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool are willing or able to match it.

Xabi Alonso: Situation Summary

Real Madrid Tenure and Departure

As of 12 May 2026, Xabi Alonso is a free agent following a brief and turbulent tenure as Real Madrid head coach. Appointed in June 2025 to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso lasted just over seven months in the Spanish capital. Despite a strong start—winning 10 of his first 11 La Liga matches, including an October Clásico victory—his reign ended by mutual consent on 4 January 2026. The decision followed a dip in form and a disappointing Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona. Reports also surfaced of dressing room unrest, with tactical friction involving key players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.

Future and Management Speculation

Alonso has recently become the subject of a high-profile tug-of-war between Premier League clubs. While he has long been the "fan favourite" to replace the under-fire Arne Slot at Liverpool, reports from 12 May indicate that Chelsea have now made him their primary target to succeed Liam Rosenior. Chelsea have reportedly held multiple rounds of talks with the Spaniard and hope to have a new permanent manager in place by mid-June.

Liverpool’s Position

Despite intense supporter pressure and reports that Liverpool executives performed "due diligence" on Alonso’s time at Real Madrid, the Anfield board remains publicly committed to Arne Slot for the 2026/27 season. However, some sources suggest that Chelsea’s move for Alonso has put the Liverpool hierarchy on "red alert," as they risk losing their former midfielder to a domestic rival.