Xabi Alonso has secured himself a new job for next season, according to former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison.
Alonso has long been seen as the preferred candidate should Liverpool decide to part ways with Arne Slot this summer.
However, as it becomes clear that the Reds will stick by Slot into 2026/27, the Spaniard is seemingly looking elsewhere for his next employment. And as Hutchison revealed while speaking to ESPN FC, he’s heard that Alonso could end up at Manchester United or Chelsea.
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Alonso could join Liverpool’s Premier League rivals
For many Liverpool fans, Alonso had felt like the perfect candidate to take over from Slot and breathe fresh life back into their club.
But FSG seemingly have far more faith in the Dutchman turning it around, and are set to take a gamble and allow Alonso to head elsewhere.
Despite his disappointing stint at Real Madrid, the former Liverpool midfielder is still a very highly-rated coach and is likely to be in the mix for any top job that is available this summer.
According to Hutchison, though, his next move has already been agreed, with United and Chelsea potentially ones to watch.
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“I’ve got to be so careful with what I say, I can’t get anyone in trouble,” he said. “So, I can’t tell you the context of the story, I can just give you a little bit that I’ve heard, that Xabi Alonso has now got a job. He’s taken a job.
“If you think about, who is it going to be? Because Liverpool are going to stay with Slot. I don’t know, but if Liverpool are staying with Slot it’s going to be Chelsea or Man U isn’t it. I don’t know the answer to the question, because I can’t give you the context of what I’ve heard. I’ve just heard that he’s got a job.”
Who else could Alonso join?
It is not only United and Chelsea who are potentially on the lookout for a new manager in the Premier League this summer.
Mystery also surrounds Pep Guardiola’s future with Manchester City, and it remains a possibility that the legendary Spaniard departs.
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Alonso has previously been reported to be on City’s radar when it comes to replacing Guardiola, and this would be another disappointing outcome for Liverpool supporters.
On the other hand, maybe there is a chance that Alonso heads back to Spain, or tries his hand in Italy.
But the only realistic choice in Spain is Barcelona, and being the Madrid man that he is, that would be unlikely even if Hansi Flick were not installed at Camp Nou.
Italy could offer some opportunities, but there are no current vacancies at any of the top clubs, leaving Alonso short on options. The Bundesliga is unlikely to appeal again, with a similar story in France. So, if it’s not Liverpool for the Basque this summer, then he is surely ending up in the Premier League regardless.
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