Xabi Alonso is reportedly keeping the door open for a return to Liverpool—and fans are starting to wonder if the stars might finally align.

The 44-year-old Spanish tactician has been out of work since stepping down as Real Madrid head coach back in January. Long regarded as a future Liverpool manager-in-waiting, Alonso now finds himself at the center of intense speculation linking him to Chelsea. The Blues, still reeling from another difficult season, have reportedly opened talks with his representatives about taking over as their next head coach.

But here’s the twist: Alonso may be playing the long game. According to a report from Pete Hall in the iPaper, the former Liverpool midfielder is still waiting for the call from Anfield. If he truly wanted the Chelsea job, the logic goes, he would have accepted it by now—especially with negotiations dragging on for weeks.

This isn’t the first time Alonso has been linked with a return to Merseyside. He was on the shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but the club ultimately went with Arne Slot. While it’s been downplayed just how close Alonso came to taking that role, there’s no denying the emotional pull. The World Cup winner spent five years at Liverpool, lifting the Champions League and other major honors, and remains a fan favorite.

Alonso’s credentials are hard to ignore. He led Bayer Leverkusen to an historic unbeaten league and cup double in 2023/24, unlocking the best from talents like Florian Wirtz. His time at Real Madrid may have been brief, but his title-winning pedigree is undeniable.

Still, Liverpool’s current leadership appears committed to stability. Slot is under contract until 2027, and sporting director Richard Hughes is not expected to make a move for Alonso—at least for now. But the Spaniard is reportedly holding out hope. Described as preferring a return to Anfield above all other options, Alonso is keeping his options open in case FSG decides to make a change.

For fans dreaming of a homecoming, the message is clear: Alonso is waiting. And sometimes, the best moves are the ones that take a little patience.