Liverpool's Xabi Alonso blow is even worse than first thought | OneFootball

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso pursuit looks to be over before it's started. And it's worse than first thought.

It increasingly appears that Liverpool will miss out on Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is very much available right now and, per i News, hoping to take the job at Anfield.

Of course, that job isn't actually available. Liverpool are sticking by Arne Slot - something that, given they've just suffered their 19th defeat of the season, is an almighty gamble.

Especially as Alonso won't be around forever. He may not be around in a week's time, such is the push from Chelsea here.

But this is more of a blow than it first looks. Chelsea aren't simply hiring Alonso to be their head coach but they're happy to give him the keys, opening the door to him commanding a long-term project, per the Independent.

And so missing out on Alonso now might mean missing out on him for a very, very long time. This isn't the usual Chelsea appointment where you can bank on them being back on the job market in a year or two (or six months).

Liverpool have, essentially, one chance to appoint Alonso. And it's a chance they're willingly letting pass them by.

Xabi Alonso: Situation Summary

Real Madrid Sacking

As of 16 May 2026, Xabi Alonso remains a free agent following his departure from Real Madrid. Appointed in May 2025, his brief tenure lasted just 232 days before ending by mutual consent on 12 January 2026. Despite an electric start—winning 10 of his first 11 matches—a winter dip in form culminated in a 3–2 Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, triggering his exit.

Chelsea Talks and Agreement

Alonso is now closing in on a return to the dugout. Reports on 16 May confirm he has agreed a deal in principle to become Chelsea's next permanent head coach, succeeding Liam Rosenior. Talks have accelerated rapidly, with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy united behind him. Alonso had sought assurances regarding the club's long-term project and sporting structure, and an official announcement could come as early as next week.