Xabi Alonso to unleash revenge on Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool were not at their best at many points during the 2025-26 season.

Of course, their first five games of the Premier League campaign ended with them winning each one but, from that point on, things just didn't click.

Whether that's because Arne Slot's tactics were rubbish or just because there was no chemistry among their first-team squad, Liverpool became the laughing stock of the league.

In the end, they scraped qualification to the Champions League but, the fact that they finished fifth in the top flight is a huge cause for concern.

And, while changing their manager and their players will help, Liverpool will want to keep a decent chunk of their current squad around so that there's at least some players who know how one another plays.

This is exactly why the Reds can't let their former player Xabi Alonso get revenge on them this summer.

Chelsea will only be able to sign Florian Wirtz if they sell Enzo Fernandez

Florian Wirtz was one of Liverpool's biggest signings last summer.

The German midfielder cost the club around £116 million to bring through the Anfield doors with many expecting him to fill the creative void left behind by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And, while his statistics made it feel like he'd be able to do this, since the Premier League is on a different level to the Bundesliga, that wasn't the case as the attacking midfielder ended the campaign with just seven goals.

Despite this lack of form, Chelsea, who are now managed by Alonso after Liverpool refused to make a move for him, are eyeing up a move for Wirtz this summer.

But, as per the latest update from Football Insider, it's claimed that Chelsea would have to sell Enzo Fernandez to bring the 23-year-old in.

"Chelsea are keeping tabs on Liverpool's Florian Wirtz but any potential deal would depend on Enzo Fernandez departing the club, Football Insider understands," they wrote.

"The Blues' No.8 is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after admitting earlier this year he could leave Stamford Bridge.

"Xabi Alonso is said to be a 'huge' admirer of Anfield playmaker Wirtz, who he helped develop into one of the Bundesliga's outstanding players when he was in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

"Now, sources believe that a deal is only feasible should Chelsea get Fernandez off the books this summer, with the club placing a £120m price tag on their prize asset."

Liverpool will be hoping that Chelsea don't sell Enzo Fernandez for more than one reason this summer

Chelsea have a lot in common with Liverpool this summer.

Both clubs have midfielders that Real Madrid want to buy with Alexis Mac Allister and Fernandez both linked with Jose Mourinho's side.

Each club will be hoping that Los Blancos go for their midfielder rather than the other as, each of their windows will depend on sales.

Liverpool have always been a sell-to-buy club and, since Chelsea have spent an obscene amount of money since Todd Boehly took over, they're looking for ways to make ends meet.

This is likely one of the main reasons why Marc Cucurella has already been moved on from Stamford Bridge.

If Chelsea do sell Fernandez, it wouldn't be surprising to see them try and make a move for Wirtz, especially with how good he was when managed by Alonso.

The Spaniard knows how to get the best out of him and, even though Liverpool would probably break even, the fact that he's only 23 years old and has the potential to become the best player in the world make his exit make little sense.