Premier League clubs on alert after Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid exit

Xabi Alonso’s abrupt exit from Real Madrid has not only closed a short and turbulent chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu, but has also opened a new and potentially destabilising storyline across Europe’s elite leagues.

After just seven months in charge, Alonso was relieved of his duties following Real Madrid’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. While the timing was ruthless, it was hardly surprising for a club where patience is rarely part of the long-term plan. What is more intriguing is the wider impact of his availability on the managerial market.

Despite his dismissal, Alonso’s reputation remains largely unscathed. Real Madrid were only four points off the top of La Liga at the time of his departure, and his early record, which included 13 wins from his first 14 matches, demonstrated clear managerial promise. The problems emerged later, as tensions within the dressing room and tactical disagreements eroded confidence during a poor run at the end of 2025.

Even so, Alonso’s recent struggles are widely viewed in context. His historic success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered a remarkable domestic double, remains fresh in the memory of football executives across Europe. Moreover, managing Real Madrid is a unique challenge, one that has overwhelmed far more experienced coaches than Alonso himself. As Real Madrid stated in their official announcement:

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

Alonso’s replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, represents continuity rather than ambition. A former team-mate of Alonso at Liverpool and Real Madrid, Arbeloa has deep roots within the club’s youth system, having worked his way up since joining the academy setup in 2020. However, he does not possess the same elite-level managerial résumé, and his appointment appears to be driven by a desire for internal stability rather than a bold statement of intent.

The real consequences of Alonso’s dismissal may be felt elsewhere. His sudden availability instantly increases pressure on managers already under scrutiny at Europe’s biggest clubs. At Liverpool, Arne Slot will be acutely aware that any sustained downturn in results could fuel calls for the return of one of the club’s most elegant former midfielders. Similar speculation is likely to surround Manchester United, who remain without a permanent manager, and even Manchester City, should this season prove to be Pep Guardiola’s final one at the Etihad.

In elite football, timing is everything. Alonso’s dismissal may feel premature, but it has reshaped the landscape. For clubs searching for a new direction, he represents opportunity. For managers struggling to meet expectations, he is now an uncomfortable shadow, one that will linger until his next appointment is made.