Alonso's Anfield Dream: Why Liverpool Remains His Preferred Destination Over Chelsea

Chelsea have opened negotiations with Xabi Alonso to become their next manager this summer, yet the Spaniard's heart appears firmly set on a return to Anfield.

The 44-year-old has been without a club since parting ways with Real Madrid in January 2026, having failed to complete even a full campaign at the Bernabeu following his appointment last season. Now, with the Blues making concrete moves to recruit him, Alonso is considering their advances—but reportedly with one eye on a different prize entirely.

According to Spanish outlet AS, while Chelsea have tabled an offer and Alonso is willing to listen, the ex-Liverpool midfielder "dreams" of managing at Anfield. That remains the stumbling block, however. The report suggests that unless Fenway Sports Group make the seismic decision to remove Arne Slot from his post, Alonso's Liverpool ambitions will have to wait.

Slot steered Liverpool to Premier League glory last season, a achievement that appears to have bought him considerable credit with the ownership despite this campaign proving considerably less inspiring for the Anfield faithful. The Dutch boss looks set to remain in situ beyond the summer unless circumstances change dramatically.

"What seems to be stalled is the Liverpool situation," AS noted. "Slot's season has been unremarkable, but the Premier League title won last year gives him enough credit to remain in the job beyond the summer. Needless to say, Xabi has a very strong connection to Anfield and dreams of managing there someday, but for that to happen, the Liverpool job needs to become available, and right now that doesn't seem very likely."

Chelsea, meanwhile, are banking on capitalising on this impasse. The Blues are without a permanent manager following Liam Rosenior's dismissal in April 2026—Rosenior himself having replaced Enzo Maresca in January—with Calum McFarlane currently holding the fort in a caretaker capacity. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy believe they possess sufficient appeal to convince Alonso to commit his future to west London.

That said, there remains a possibility that Alonso may simply bide his time. With his stock high and the summer window still offering scope for developments, the Spaniard could elect to wait for more tempting opportunities to materialise. As AS concludes: "Many at Stamford Bridge believe they can pull it off, but it's also possible that Xabi will wait a while until more attractive options emerge. Everything will be finalized in a few weeks."