Could Bayern Munich move for Xabi Alonso and derail a potential Liverpool deal?

Already a candidate to land the Liverpool job, Alonso further enhanced his reputation with his team’s stunning victory at the BayArena in the top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash.

From the moment Jurgen Klopp announced his intention to stand down, Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool job. But with Alonso currently regarded as the hottest managerial prospect in Europe, is it a given he is going to end up at Anfield?

The Liverpool attraction is clear to see

Liverpool is one of Europe’s biggest names, making them an attractive proposition for any manager. However, they're not the favorites to win the title in England this year. As it stands, Manchester City are currently the shortest odds for Premier League online bets. Pep’s team is priced at -175, with Liverpool second at +260. But as a challenger at the top of the table again, regular tips on football games may include the Reds again, which wasn't the case last season when the team was struggling.

Alonso is the betting favorite with the bookmakers to get the Liverpool job. He does have a Liverpool connection, having played there for five years - famously winning the Champions League in 2005. But he also has connections elsewhere in Europe, including Spain, and also the country where he currently earns a living.

The Munich link

It’s easy to overlook the fact that Alonso played for Bayern Munich for three years. As a former player (also currently working in the Bundesliga), if things continue to go well for him at Bayer Leverkusen, and wrong for Thomas Tuchel and Bayern, it could be the Bavarians that come calling.

And there's nothing to say that Alonso would choose Anfield over staying in the country he is currently residing in.

At the moment, there isn’t a vacancy in Munich. But the current champions aren’t guaranteed to win their domestic league this season. And if, at the very least, they don't win one of the Bundesliga or the Champions League, there is every chance Tuchel will be shown the door.

Xabi Alonso isn’t leading a team at the top of the table in some obscure league. He is doing it in Germany, right in front of Bayern’s noses. And if he is successful in winning the Bundesliga, it will be at Munich’s expense. There can be no better incentive for the club’s hierarchy to go and get him ahead of Liverpool.

A return to Spain?

Another club with historical connections who might see Alonso as a manager worth investing in is Real Madrid.

Los Blancos look on course for another La Liga title. But there has been recent speculation linking current boss Carlo Ancelotti with the Brazil national job. That story seems to have died down since the Italian signed a contract extension at the end of 2023. But it seemed a strong link, and stranger things have happened.

There is, though, always a strong emphasis on winning the Champions League in the Spanish capital. And if they fall short again this year, talk of change might materialize, new contract or no new contract!

So even though plenty think Alonso to Liverpool is a done deal. It might not be as certain as many believe.