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Behind the scenes, new developments continue to emerge in the case of Xabi Alonso and Liverpool, with a subtle shift in tone from his side. Patience is still there, but not without limits, as there is a growing sense that while the process is being respected, the delays are becoming slightly harder to understand, especially since most key elements have already been discussed and the situation has been in an advanced stage for some time, as I have consistently reported. Planning considerations on Alonso’s side are also gradually becoming more relevant as serious alternative interest continues to exist, while internal discussions at Liverpool’s ownership level are delaying the timing of the final step, even though the depth of prior talks stands as clear evidence of how advanced the groundwork already is and how close the process remains to its final stage, contrary to what some club-aligned briefings continue to suggest publicly.
I have previously revealed that Liverpool’s senior leadership, including Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, moved early and decisively, holding detailed, direct conversations with Alonso that went far beyond informal interest. These talks covered sporting structure, long-term squad planning, coaching autonomy, and overall strategic alignment, while his agent Iñaki Ibáñez played a key role in shaping the framework of a potential agreement, leading to further high-level interactions involving Linda Pizzuti Henry and representatives of IDUB Global, with confirmations from Leverkusen circles closely connected to the agency reinforcing that the major groundwork, both sporting and contractual, had effectively been completed, leaving only the final approval as the remaining step.
The current situation now rests entirely with ownership, specifically John W. Henry, principal owner of Liverpool through Fenway Sports Group, who remains the final decision-maker and, at this stage, the only factor delaying full completion. Alonso and his assistant Sebastián Parrilla are fully aware of this internal dynamic, and as mentioned in my prior reports, there has already been internal preparation on their side for a possible transition towards the final stretch of the season, including early planning around staff integration and squad structure.
Nevertheless, there is still an understanding toward Liverpool’s decision to continue with Arne Slot until the campaign concludes, yet the gap between the depth of prior discussions and the absence of a definitive green light is becoming increasingly noticeable, confidence remains high, but the longer the decision takes, the more it naturally introduces a degree of tension.
In the background, alternative pathways remain active, with Manchester City continuing to position themselves as the most credible alternative should Liverpool not finalize the process. Last December, I was the first to reveal that Alonso’s release structure at Leverkusen was specifically designed to cover the clubs he played for, namely Real Madrid, Liverpool FC, and FC Bayern Munich, while notably also including Manchester City as the only club on that list he never represented as a player, a reflection of his long-standing admiration and connection to Pep Guardiola. This connection dates back to his time playing under Guardiola at Bayern Munich and was further strengthened during a period in which Alonso spent several days at the Etihad Campus observing his methods in what was effectively an informal internship, making that environment a naturally attractive pathway should Liverpool not finalize their decision.
I can also exclusively reveal that very recent contact from Chelsea FC has taken place over the past days as they quietly reassess their managerial situation, although they remain a secondary option. Alonso’s full, wholehearted priority remains firmly on Liverpool, and all indications from his camp, his agency, former players he remains in contact with, and wider industry sources continue to point toward him becoming Liverpool’s next manager, with the process now effectively in its final stage, where only the final internal green light and formal confirmation from the ownership side remain, meaning the direction is clearly set, even if, until that last step is taken, a slight degree of uncertainty remains and the situation stays just open enough for other elite clubs to remain attentive.
