Where Next for Xabi Alonso? Ranking the Realistic Destinations from the Absurd to the Inevitable

Xabi Alonso's exit from Real Madrid—precipitated in part by their commitment to the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia—has thrust the highly accomplished manager into the spotlight as clubs worldwide circle. The departure instantly elevates him onto the wish lists of elite sides across the continent, though some destinations make considerably more sense than others.

The Less Likely Scenarios

Manchester United (6th)

The Red Devils' reported interest in a manager who won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen carries a certain irony. For many supporters, United remains that outsized institution, the club that defined modern English football. Yet the framing of these reports—suggesting United are graciously considering Alonso rather than the reverse—strains credulity. A role that's remained vacant in any meaningful sense for nearly fifteen years hardly represents an upgrade. Besides, the club will almost certainly hand the permanent position to Michael Carrick before summer arrives, only to rue the decision once another outfit has already secured Alonso's services.

Tottenham (5th)

The comedy value here is undeniable. A manager who dominated at Leverkusen but stumbled at Madrid taking the Spurs job would be almost perfectly calibrated for a club that, despite its ambitions, perpetually falls short of genuine elite status. There's something absurdly fitting about it. The Real Madrid disappointment might necessitate a period of overachievement before another crack at the summit, and Spurs could theoretically provide that stepping stone. Almost certainly won't happen—but almost isn't never.

Spain (4th)

International football seems premature for Alonso with 114 caps and multiple major tournament medals already to his name. Yet the Spain job could materialise should the World Cup campaign unfold spectacularly or catastrophically. Managing a squad blessed with world-class talent across every position remains a genuine attraction, though the inherent volatility of Spanish football politics means opportunities can arise unexpectedly.

The Genuinely Plausible Options

Manchester City (3rd)

Guardiola's recent struggles—two consecutive years without a sustained title challenge—might prompt a departure. The Citizens lack the Liverpool connections that would complicate City's pursuit of Alonso. Replacing Guardiola carries enormous risk to his reputation, yet the challenge would be irresistible to an ambitious manager. The job could realistically become available come summer.

Bayern Munich (2nd)

Alonso played there with distinction and later tormented them as Leverkusen's manager, making a return to the Allianz Arena entirely plausible. Vincent Kompany currently occupies the post and is thriving in his second season, but Bayern's managerial shelf life rarely extends beyond two years. Kompany is approaching the tenure threshold where predecessors typically departed. Given the club's historical pattern, Alonso's arrival within the next twelve months remains genuinely possible.

Liverpool (1st)

The obvious choice. Alonso played for the Reds with genuine distinction and carries the rare credential of having managed at one of Europe's true powerhouses. His Madrid spell ended disappointingly, yet this needn't deter either of his former clubs from pursuing him. Liverpool's position feels secure under Arne Slot, though whispers about the manager's long-term future have circulated even before Alonso became available. Should the Anfield job unexpectedly open, both club and manager would instantly become each other's primary target. It feels virtually inevitable that Alonso manages Liverpool at some point; the question is merely timing.