Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has refused to rule out a future move to the Premier League, increasing speculation about his long-term future in Spain.
The Spaniard spent five seasons in England with Liverpool before going on to star for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, where he worked under current Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Now, with pressure mounting in Madrid, Alonso’s comments have reignited talk of a potential return to England.
Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson breaks down what Alonso said – and how realistic a Premier League comeback might be.
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What was said?
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s Champions League showdown with Manchester City, Alonso was asked directly whether he could see himself returning to England if he were to leave Los Blancos.
Alonso answered: “ For sure. There is this bond with the English clubs, and for sure with my former club, but at the moment this is my place, this is where I want to be.
“In the future, you never know what could happen.”
While diplomatic, it was far from a denial – and it comes at a time when his position at Real Madrid looks increasingly fragile.
Sooner rather than later
A Premier League return may come sooner than Alonso expects. Madrid have collected just two wins from their last seven La Liga matches, the latest setback being a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo.
On top of the poor results, Alonso is reportedly dealing with discontent within the squad. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are both rumoured to be unsettled and exploring options away from the club.
The combination of form, frustration, and internal pressure has left Alonso on borrowed time.
His brilliant spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he transformed the club and boosted his managerial reputation, earned him the Madrid job.
But a dismissal at the Bernabéu, even if harsh, would inevitably dent that image. Still, few doubt that clubs across Europe would queue up for his signature.
Which Premier League clubs could move for Alonso?
The managerial merry-go-round never stops. In a results-driven environment, a manager can be secure one week and gone the next.
If Alonso becomes available, several English clubs may take notice, but which ones best fit the bill?
Liverpool
The most obvious destination is Liverpool. Arne Slot is under significant pressure, perhaps even more than Alonso in Madrid.
Alonso remains a beloved figure at Anfield. He made over 150 appearances for the Reds and scored the crucial equaliser in the legendary 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.
His emotional and footballing ties to the club are undeniable.
If Slot fails to stabilise Liverpool, and if Alonso exits Madrid, the stars could align for a dramatic return to Merseyside.
Crystal Palace
At first glance, linking Alonso with Crystal Palace may seem far-fetched. Oliver Glasner is unlikely to be sacked; however, his future is uncertain for a different reason.
Glasner has been locked in a long-running dispute with the club hierarchy over transfers, and recent reports suggest this week’s discussions have only increased friction.
With captain Marc Guéhi set to leave on a free and striker Jean-Philippe Mateta attracting significant interest, the situation is deteriorating rapidly.
If Glasner walks away, Palace could become an intriguing landing spot for Alonso.
The pressure would be far less intense than at Madrid, giving him a platform similar to Leverkusen – space to build, develop, and impress.
In return, Palace would secure a young, highly regarded manager with an elite pedigree and a point to prove.
Predicted Outcome
Alonso may survive until the end of the season at Real Madrid, but beyond that, his future looks uncertain – especially if he fails to deliver silverware.
Ultimately, the biggest variable is Arne Slot’s fate at Liverpool. If Slot is dismissed, the door swings wide open for a blockbuster reunion between Alonso and Anfield.
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