Alonso Opens Door to Premier League Return, but Not Spurs Just Yet

Xabi Alonso has signalled his readiness to make the leap to English football, though the recently departed Real Madrid manager is in no rush to return to the dugout.

The Spanish tactician, sacked from the Bernabéu at the start of 2026, has made clear his preference for a summer move to the Premier League rather than taking on fresh employment in the immediate term. According to The Times, Alonso is willing to consider offers but won't be making any hasty decisions before June arrives.

It represents something of a departure from his previous stance. When Liverpool came knocking in 2024 seeking a successor to Jurgen Klopp, Alonso chose to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, preferring to wait for the Madrid opportunity that subsequently materialised. That gamble has since backfired spectacularly, with his tenure at the Spanish capital proving disastrous. Reports suggest he struggled to maintain control of the dressing room, clashing with several prominent squad members.

Yet his reputation as a manager of genuine pedigree hasn't been entirely tarnished by the Madrid débâcle. His spell at Leverkusen saw him establish himself among Europe's elite coaches, most notably guiding the club to the Bundesliga title during an unbeaten 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool remain among the clubs monitoring developments. Arne Slot's position at Anfield has come under scrutiny of late, with four consecutive Premier League draws dampening what had been a 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with the quality of football on display, and speculation about managerial changes will inevitably intensify if results don't improve.

Tottenham have also been linked with Alonso, particularly with Thomas Frank's future at the club looking increasingly precarious. However, The Independent reports that Alonso views the Spurs job with considerably less enthusiasm than other potential openings. The belief within his camp is that better opportunities will present themselves as the summer window approaches.

Multiple Premier League sides are understood to be tracking Alonso's availability, ensuring he'll have no shortage of suitors when he finally decides to return to management.