Xabi Alonso desired next club could lead to Real Madrid return this season

Despite the unceremonious manner in which Xabi Alonso departed Real Madrid its clear fans were still in his corner. The Spanish coach parted ways on Monday (January 12th) with the club announcing that he'd left on mutual terms.

Whether or not Alonso agreed to depart is still unclear until the 44-year-old opens up on his exit. He oversaw 24 wins in 34 games, taking Madrid to the Supercopa de Espana final in which they lost 3-2 to Barcelona.

That was Alonso's final act as Los Blancos boss as he was packing his bags the day after. But all eyes are on where the Spaniard will next end up with his status as one of Europe's most highly-admired coaches still intact.

Xabi Alonso eyeing job that could lead to early Real Madrid reunion

Alonso had spent years previously coaching in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, overseeing their unbeaten 2023-24 title win. He turned down Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp when the Reds searched for a successor but a return to Anfield is in his plans.

That's according to Marca, which reports that Alonso plans to take a break from coaching unless the Premier League giants approach him about replacing Arne Slot. The Dutchman is enduring a difficult sophomore season in charge of the defending English champions.

Liverpool have dropped out of the title race and sit fourth in the league, 14 points off leaders Arsenal after 22 games. Slot was heavily backed in the summer, breaking the British transfer record twice on Florian Wirtz (€125m) and Alexander Isak (€145m).

Alonso worked with Wirtz at Leverkusen and helped develop the German attacker into one of Europe's most exciting playmakers. He had made a slow start to life in England but has recently come into form with four goals and an assist over the last month.

If Alonso were to take over at Liverpool before the end of this season he could return to the Bernabeu even earlier than expected. Both the Reds and Madrid remain in the Champions League and could meet in the knockout stages.

Wirtz's relationship with Alonso differs from Vinicius

There have been widespread reports that Alonso and Vinicius Junior's relationship had become tense during the Spaniard's short-lived reign at Madrid. It's thought that the Brazilian grew disillusioned and even put contract extension talks on hold.

Alonso's departure has seen Vinicius come back to the negotiating table and there are intentions from the club and the player to extend his deal. But as for his reaction to his former boss parting ways, he is the only high-profile member of the Madrid squad yet to send a goodbye message on social media.

There were no such issues between Wirtz and Alonso during his time at Leverkusen. In fact, the German attacker relished playing under the Spaniard, explaining how he got the best out of him (via Bulinews) back in 2023:

"I feel extremely valued under him. I feel the trust. That's really important, especially as a young player. He gives me a lot of freedom on the pitch and always has a tip on what I can do better."

He added:

"He played at the very highest level as a professional. It's great to have such a legend as a coach. Xabi knows exactly what makes a team tick."

Wirtz starred in Alonso's Leverkusen, bagging 38 goals and 43 assists in 119 games. If they were to reunite at Anfield they'd be joined by the coach's former wing-back Jeremie Frimpong who also headed to Merseyside last summer.