Xabi Alonso will ‘return to management soon’ amid links with the Liverpool job

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Xabi Alonso is looking to return to management soon – but the Spaniard has not had any contact with Liverpool.

The former Liverpool player has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this year.

Alonso was hired as Madrid boss last summer after a successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. The 44-year-old famously guided the German club to an unbeaten season in 23/24 on his way to the Bundesliga title – ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year monopoly in the top-flight.

However, Alonso was not given much time to repeat this success in the Spanish capital, with the two-time Champions League winner seemingly struggling to handle the club’s star players.

His achievements from a few years ago are still fresh in the minds of those on Merseyside, though.

With Liverpool on a concerning run of form, some fans had been hoping to see Alonso return to Anfield to replace Arne Slot.

Fabrizio Romano shuts down Xabi Alonso rumours

Since Liverpool’s disappointing defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, many Reds are seemingly keen for Arne Slot to move on.

Whilst they appreciate the Dutchman’s impressive title win last season, Liverpool have fallen to sixth place in the Premier League table. This poor performance includes an agonising run of games, which has seen them win just five league games since November.

It’s the kind of form that has seen many Liverpool fans seemingly trying to wish the appointment of Xabi Alonso into existence, with the Spaniard fondly remembered on Merseyside. Alonso played for the club between 2004 and 2009, and was part of that famous Champions League win in 2005.

Meanwhile, with his success at Leverkusen, it is hoped Alonso may be able to get the best out of Florian Wirtz, who played under the Spaniard in Germany.

However, Romano has recently put a damper on these rumours.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian said: “I got lots of questions in the last 24 hours about Liverpool making contact with Xabi Alonso over the possibility to take over Liverpool from Arne Slot.

“At the moment, I’m not aware of any official contact between Liverpool and Xabi Alonso.”

Door remains open for Liverpool return in the future

For now, it seems that Alonso’s return to Anfield was just wishful thinking on the part of some Reds.

However, Romano did say he expects Alonso to be back in the dugout sooner rather than later.

“What I can tell you is that Xabi will be back soon”, he said.

“Liverpool wanted him in the past, there is an appreciation for Xabi and he could be a candidate in case they change in the future. But at the moment, I’m not aware of contacts or talks.”

For the time being, the Reds are backing Arne Slot. However, if poor form continues to jeopardise Liverpool’s Champions League place, don’t be surprised to see Alonso’s name being thrown around again.