Xabi Alonso wants to ship out 'prize asset' to secure a stunning Chelsea reunion

Xabi Alonso is eager to secure a shock transfer for a former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy just one season after he signed for another Premier League club.

Chelsea boss Alonso is understood to favour a move for Florian Wirtz, who played for the Spaniard in Germany's Bundesliga and signed for Liverpool, Alonso's former club, last summer.

German international Wirtz netted Leverkusen a fee starting in the region of £100 million when he switched to Anfield but his first Premier League season didn't go to plan.

The highly-rated attacking midfielder's arrival at Liverpool was the transfer window's worst-kept secret but he started just 27 league matches under now-sacked Reds manager Arne Slot.

Wirtz managed eight goal contributions in 33 league appearances overall in his first season for Liverpool, a major reduction after reaching double figures for both goals and assists in each of the previous two Bundesliga seasons.

The 23-year-old was instrumental in Alonso's incredible 2023-24 season at Leverkusen. They won the Bundesliga undefeated, added the DFB-Pokal and reached the final of the Europa League.

Wirtz's influence was a key factor and his former manager reportedly now wants to take him to Stamford Bridge.

According to reports, the only way that surprising outcome would be possible is if the Blues were able to attract a colossal fee for 'prize asset' and World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.

"Chelsea are keeping tabs on Liverpool's Florian Wirtz but any potential deal would depend on Enzo Fernandez departing the club," reports Football Insider.

"The Blues' No.8 is heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer after admitting earlier this year he could leave Stamford Bridge.

"The mutual respect between Alonso and Wirtz is a by-product of the successful spell the duo had together at Bayer Leverkusen, especially during their remarkable 2023-24 campaign.

"However, with the deal ultimately relying on the sale of Fernandez, it could be a very tricky transfer for the new Chelsea boss to get over the line this summer."

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, now reinstalled at Real Madrid, is believed to be keen to add Fernandez to Marc Cucurella among his new signings at the Bernabeu.

Wirtz hasn't yet lived up to his price tag

Players who move between clubs for big money shouldn't really have their transfer fees held against them but Wirtz, who looked a very suitable tactical fit for Liverpool, didn't have the maiden Premier League season he wanted.

Currently playing for Germany at World Cup 2026, the midfielder took a while to make an impact and was ultimately unable to lead the Reds to a meaningful title defence.

He started 40 of his 49 matches in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting eight as Liverpool had to settle for a distant fifth in the league and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.