Exclusive: Controversial Liverpool decision to cost them Xabi Alonso

Exclusive: Controversial Liverpool decision to cost them Xabi Alonso

Liverpool may lose out on Xabi Alonso entirely because of one controversial decision, Anfield Watch understands.

Xabi Alonso is available to clubs right now but it remains to be seen who snaps him up. Chelsea are now being heavily linked with an approach (iNews).

Liverpool, of course, are at the centre of this story, too. They’ve been heavily linked with a move for Alonso this season after an incredibly poor spell.

The Reds underperformed this season and plenty of the blame for that has gone Arne Slot’s way. The boos against Chelsea on Sunday were the strongest sign yet that fans aren’t happy.

Whether the club agree with that position is another matter, however. Liverpool stuck with Slot through their worst run of form for 70 years and the suggestions are that they will continue to stick with him through the summer.

Anfield Watch understands, though, that there’s another issue with potentially moving for Alonso. The Spaniard wants more control at his next club - a model Liverpool moved away from in 2024 after Jurgen Klopp left.

They appointed Slot as a ‘head coach’ rather than a manager. Alonso, however, would apparently prefer the latter role.

Perhaps that’s understandable after his time with Real Madrid, while it also gives an upper hand to Chelsea. The iNews report suggests they’re willing to offer Alonso that kind of power.

Xabi Alonso: Situation Summary