Exclusive: Controversial Liverpool decision to cost them Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Liverpool may lose out on Xabi Alonso entirely because of one controversial decision, Anfield Watch understands.

Xabi Alonso is available to clubs right now but it remains to be seen who snaps him up. Chelsea are now being heavily linked with an approach (iNews).

Liverpool, of course, are at the centre of this story, too. They’ve been heavily linked with a move for Alonso this season after an incredibly poor spell.

The Reds underperformed this season and plenty of the blame for that has gone Arne Slot’s way. The boos against Chelsea on Sunday were the strongest sign yet that fans aren’t happy.

Whether the club agree with that position is another matter, however. Liverpool stuck with Slot through their worst run of form for 70 years and the suggestions are that they will continue to stick with him through the summer.

Anfield Watch understands, though, that there’s another issue with potentially moving for Alonso. The Spaniard wants more control at his next club - a model Liverpool moved away from in 2024 after Jurgen Klopp left.

They appointed Slot as a ‘head coach’ rather than a manager. Alonso, however, would apparently prefer the latter role.

Perhaps that’s understandable after his time with Real Madrid, while it also gives an upper hand to Chelsea. The iNews report suggests they’re willing to offer Alonso that kind of power.

Xabi Alonso: Situation Summary

Real Madrid Tenure and Departure

As of 12 May 2026, Xabi Alonso remains out of work following his exit from Real Madrid earlier this year. Appointed in May 2025 as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, Alonso’s tenure lasted just 232 days. Despite a blistering start—winning 10 of his first 11 league matches and securing a Clásico victory in October—form dipped significantly during the winter. His time at the Bernabéu ended by mutual consent on 12 January 2026, following a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Álvaro Arbeloa was immediately confirmed as his replacement.

Future and Management Speculation

Alonso has emerged as the "primary target" for Chelsea to succeed Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed after only four months. Reports from 12 May indicate that Chelsea have held formal talks with Alonso’s representatives and hope to confirm a permanent appointment by mid-June. However, sources suggest Alonso is "stalling" on a commitment to Stamford Bridge as he monitors the situation at Liverpool.

Liverpool Links

Despite intense supporter pressure for a "dream" return to Anfield, the Liverpool hierarchy remains publicly committed to Arne Slot for the 2026/27 season. Jamie Carragher has noted that joining a rival like Chelsea would make a future move to Liverpool "more difficult" for the Spaniard.