Xabi Alonso chooses his next club amid interest from Chelsea and Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has decided on his next job amid links to Chelsea and Liverpool in recent weeks.

Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid in January after six months at the helm, with the Spaniard opting to wait until the end of this season to take a new job.

He's had suitors across Europe and a turbulent time in Madrid hasn't scrubbed his reputation as one of the world's top young coaches.

The 44-year-old won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen for the first time in the club's history in 2024.

Many anticipated Alonso to join another one of his former clubs, Liverpool, after departing Los Blancos.

Pressure has built on Arne Slot throughout this season. Despite winning the Premier League title last season, Slot has proven to be unpopular with the Anfield faithful.

A 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday evening has seen emotions reach a fever point, with Mohamed Salah even appearing to aim a dig at his manager.

Alonso chooses his next club

Despite Alonso's history with Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup during his five-year spell on Merseyside between 2004 and 2009, David Ornstein has confirmed Alonso has reached an agreement to become the new manager of Chelsea.

The Blues parted ways with Liam Rosenior in April after four months in charge and placed Calum McFarlane in interim charge until the end of the campaign.

It's the second time McFarlane has stepped in, having to do so in January following Enzo Maresca's exit. McFarlane has overseen defeats to Nottingham Forest and Chelsea in the FA Cup, in addition to a draw against Liverpool.

Alonso has met with Chelsea's leadership team, BlueCo, in London this week. It's expected he'll put pen to paper on a four-year contract, with an official announcement imminent.

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For many, Alonso's decision to return to England with a team other than Liverpool will be shocking.

He was one of the frontrunners to take the job when Jurgen Klopp stepped down in 2024. Alonso was one of the names on Liverpool's shortlist before eventually choosing Slot.

Liverpool have remained adamant in their backing of Slot, who is already planning for next season despite fan unrest.

Slot told reporters earlier this week: "I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.

"First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all, from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.

"But if you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season, if you compare it with other seasons, you might have a different debate – but if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes."