Xabi Alonso has become Europe's most wanted coach after leaving Real Madrid and he'll likely have clubs queuing up to appoint him. The consensus among rival clubs and within the European footballing media is that he wasn't backed by the board, especially when the issue of player power emerged.
That's not to say that Alonso wasn't faultless for how his Madrid reign ended after just seven months. There were poor performances, concerning form and questionable tactical decisions that raised alarm bells.
But Alonso remains highly rated and as such is already being linked with several clubs. The likes of Liverpool, his former club, and Manchester City, possibly entering a post-Pep Guardiola era in the summer, are possible destinations.
The Premier League next up for Alonso?
Alonso might be eager to get back into management after such a disappointing end to a short-lived Madrid reign. He is set to stay in the Spanish capital for now but is open to taking charge of another club this season.
That's according to The Athletic who claim he is "optimistic about future options" and they expect him to be highly sought-after. The media outlet has listed potential clubs who could come calling for the 44-year-old and one of those is Tottenham Hotspur.
The Premier League club are enduring a nightmare season, currently sitting 14th in the table after 21 games. Thomas Frank is under massive pressure after replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer, failing to turn things around in North London.
While the publication suggests the chances of Spurs tempting Alonso to take over are "slim", they reckon it can't be "completely dismissed." That's because the club has the potential to eventually return to the elite of European football with a fantastic stadium, a passionate fanbase and rich owners.
It's the type of job that could give Alonso a real challenge and to show his worth as a builder in the managerial dugout. He wouldn't have the pressure that came with the Madrid role or superstar players trying to influence the club's direction.
Alonso must snub Spurs and another struggling English club
If Spurs do come calling, Alonso shouldn't be tempted to return to management by taking over a club in crisis. He might view the job as an interesting project, but there are so many issues both on the pitch and behind the scenes that need addressing.
For Alonso's sake he's best served either waiting to see if Liverpool choose to part ways with Arne Slot in the near future or replace Guardiola at Manchester City. Those are two positions that allow him to continue at the very top of European football and at the same level of Madrid.
A shock Manchester United appointment can't be ruled out despite spending his playing career at rivals Liverpool. But the Red Devils' nosedive since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 makes the Old Trafford hotseat a slippery slope that holds similarities to the constant uncertainty he experienced at the Bernabeu.