Xabi Alonso is reportedly stalling on an approach from Chelsea to become the club’s next manager, in case of a proposal from Liverpool.
Alonso has been tentatively linked with Liverpool after a disappointing campaign for the Premier League champions.
Though the expectation is that Arne Slot will be given a third season in charge, the audible unrest from Anfield during last weekend’s draw with Chelsea was the latest clear sign of discontent among the fanbase.
Alonso’s availability has made him an obvious candidate to replace Slot. The Spaniard spent five seasons with Liverpool as a player and has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most impressive young coaches, having led Bayer Leverkusen to a maiden German title in 2023/24.
He has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January after less than eight months in charge.
Chelsea are exploring a deal for Alonso, who is open to a move to the Premier League. However, the iPaper are reporting that sources close to Alonso have suggested the 44-year-old wants to gauge the prospect of joining Liverpool before accepting rival offers.
According to the report, Alonso would have “taken the Chelsea job by now if Liverpool was not still in his thinking”.
