During his illustrious playing career, Xabi Alonso became a European journeyman, spending time in England with Liverpool, Germany with Bayern Munich and Spain with Real Madrid and Sociedad. The legendary midfielder was a sight to behold with the ball at his feet, carving open defences with his extraordinary vision, exquisite passing abilities and pinpoint accuracy.
Alonso called time on his playing career in July 2017 after making 700 club appearances, winning multiple UEFA Champions League trophies, and 12 other major honours at Anfield, the Allianz Arena, the Santiago Bernabeu and Reale Arena. The Spaniard was also a hit on international duty, part of a La Roja side that became European Champions twice and won their first 2010 World Cup.
Alonso spent years pulling the strings in the heart of midfield in some of Europe’s most glamorous stadiums. But it was one of his former stomping grounds that the former Eibar man loved calling home because of its aura.
Alonso Spoke Glowingly About Anfield’s Atmosphere
Alonso became one of the most celebrated midfield talents to grace the Premier League during his time at Liverpool, appearing 210 times for the Reds, posting 18 goals and 19 assists. The Spaniard was part of the side that won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 in the Miracle of Istanbul. While that famous night at Ataturk Stadium was the highlight of his career, he still seemingly favoured playing at the Merseyside giants’ glorious Anfield stadium.
The 43-year-old participated in a Legends Match, representing his former Premier League club against Manchester United. He spoke about his affection for one of the oldest stadiums in English football history (via FourFourTwo):
“You still know that you feel it, you have it inside and whenever you have the chance it awakens [you]. I really loved it and a great cause, great atmosphere, best stadium in the world. Great day.”
It was clear that Alonso would thrive at Anfield early in his Liverpool spell when he started producing moments of magic in front of the Kop. One of his most eye-catching displays came after five games when he deputised for Steven Gerrard and showcased his playmaking abilities in a 3-0 win over Norwich City in 2004.
There’s something special about Champions League nights at Anfield, and Alonso appeared in 20 European games where the Reds made the opposition know ‘This is Anfield’. One of his last appearances on home soil for the Merseyside outfit in Europe was a 1-0 win over Marseille, where he assisted Gerrard with the winner:
“[Anfield is] different. You have pretty stadiums all over the world, great atmospheres, Champions League nights – but this is Anfield. The soul, the stands, the lights, it’s different and it’s pure football. That’s why we love it as a player, as a fan, as anyone that comes.”
Xabi Alonso had an extremely successful career in the Champions League – and the Spaniard was tasked with naming his ‘dream’ XI from the competition.
Will Xabi Alonso Ever Return To Anfield In The Managerial Dugout?
It seemed like fate for Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German decided to call time on his Anfield spell in late January. The Spanish tactician’s stock was growing as one of Europe’s most exciting coaches, propelling Bayer Leverkusen to the top of German football and ending Bayern’s Bundesliga dominance in the process.
Alonso was a heavy favourite to succeed Klopp, but turned down the opportunity because he felt he was at the best club for him to develop further as a manager. The Reds turned to Arne Slot, and it’s a decision that has worked out well, with the Dutchman steering them to the Premier League title during his debut season.
The Spaniard returned to Anfield for a UEFA Champions League clash between Liverpool and Leverkusen, but it wasn’t a fond return as his side were thrashed 4-0. This was perhaps a reminder for those who got carried away by his credentials to come into such a high-pressure situation as becoming Klopp’s heir.
Alonso has recently been sacked by Real Madrid, meaning he could return to Anfield if Slot isn’t able to turn his current fortunes around. There’s nothing to suggest the Spanish tactician won’t one day be the home manager at his old stomping ground.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt – correct as of 03/02/2026.
Tottenham are bracing themselves for their transfer move to sign Sandro Tonali this summer to be hijacked by Manchester City.
Spurs have been one of the busier clubs already this summer, bringing in two new players on free transfers, as well as agreeing a deal for another.
Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson will link up with the Lilywhites from Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively after their World Cup adventures with Argentina and Scotland are over, while Jan Paul van Hecke looks set to arrive in a £52million deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Lewis Family vowed to invest in the Tottenham squad
Vivienne Lewis of the Lewis Family who are in charge of Tottenham Hotspur
Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs already mean business in the summer transfer window, with the Lewis Family vowing to back the Italian with investment into the squad.
GIVEMESPORT understands that the Spurs owners want to make a statement signing this summer and there are talks ongoing over a deal to bring Savinho to the club from Manchester City.
But any move for the forward would be surpassed by a transfer for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Spurs burst to the front of the queue to sign the 26-year-old earlier this week when news emerged of a planned £80million to £85million move for the Italian.
Newcastle want in the region of £100million to sell the midfielder and there is a feeling around St James’ Park that he will depart the club this summer.
Tottenham are keen to get a deal over the line for Tonali to strengthen the middle of the park, with reports surfacing that the player is keen on the move to north London too.
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But Spurs are not the only club interested in signing him this summer. Manchester United have been linked with a move, given their plan to sign two central midfielders this summer. Arsenal were linked in January, although a move never came to fruition and the Gunners could make another move this time around.
And then there’s Manchester City, who lost Bernardo Silva this week and could well say goodbye to Rodri too, with question marks over his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City aiming to bring in two midfielders this summer
Elliot Anderson waves to the Nottingham Forest fans
City’s attention for now, is on signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with two bids of more than £100million already rejected by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Any suggestion that City are only planning for one midfield arrival appear to be wide of the mark, however. GMS understands that City, like Spurs, are in talks to sign Tonali and Teamtalk reporter Graeme Bailey has gone even further in saying: “I am told City made it clear during the process that they don’t see Tonali as some sort of alternative to Elliot Anderson – ideally they want both.”
Tottenham may have thought they would have it all their own way in the race to sign Tonali with United put off by the price, City going all out for Anderson and Arsenal appearing to move for Manu Kone, but they may face a battle to complete the £100million deal after all.
Barcola to Arsenal, Sandro Tonali’s transfer race, England’s World Cup win and Brazil’s hopes all feature in this special Market Madness.
Kate Mason and Ben Jacobs are live as the World Cup gets underway and the transfer window heats up. GiveMeSport’s Sam Cohen sits down with Sir Geoff Hurst, England’s 1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero, to discuss what it really takes to win football’s biggest prize.
We also hear from Brazil and AC Milan legend Kaká on whether Brazil can finally end their long wait for World Cup glory.
Ben reacts to England’s opening World Cup win over Croatia and delivers the latest transfer updates in his weekly mailbag, including Barcola to Arsenal, Sandro Tonali interest from Spurs, Manchester City and Manchester United, Yan Diomande to Liverpool, Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Enzo Fernández wants Real Madrid, Chelsea have set their price, and talks are already underway — could another huge World Cup transfer saga be coming?
This week’s GMS newsletter with Ben Jacobs breaks down the latest on Enzo Fernández’s Chelsea future, Real Madrid’s midfield plans, Marc Cucurella’s move, and the growing Sandro Tonali transfer race involving Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Plus, the latest on Elliot Anderson to Man City, Newcastle’s stance on Tonali, and why this summer window could move quickly during the World Cup.
