Xabi Alonso previously admitted he didn't consider becoming Liverpool boss following Jurgen Klopp's exit announcement. It was in January 2024 when the German sensationally revealed his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

Giving the Reds ample time to appoint his successor, several possible names began being linked with the job, with Alonso a top contender. Given the stunning job he was doing with Bayer Leverkusen at the time, as well as having been a fan favourite during his five years playing for the club, the Spaniard certainly had the support of fans.

Alonso did make a return to Anfield last year when Leverkusen played the Reds but had a miserable time of it with the then-German champions losing 4-0, courtesy of Luis Diaz's hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo strike.