Liverpool aren't the only ones who will be disappointed at not being able to prise Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, although others will undoubtedly be glad the deal won't be going forward.
When Jurgen Klopp announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, reports immediately linked Alonso with the Anfield job.
The Spaniard has performed wonders at Leverkusen and has them on the verge of winning the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.
Alonso's instant success has been him the hottest property in the managerial market.
But he's now confirmed reports that he will remain in charge of Leverkusen for next season.
Xabi Alonso has opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen
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“Last week I had a meeting [with club officials] and informed them of the decision to continue being coach of Bayer Leverkusen,” Alonso said.
“After lot of talks about my future, I used the break to reflect and make my decision.
"I feel this is the right place to be for me as a young coach. My job at Bayer is not over.
"I want to help the club, help the players to develop, the board is great … it’s all fantastic here.”
That's forced Liverpool to look elsewhere with Brighton's Roberto de Zerbi and Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim now seen as the frontrunners.
The news hasn't gone down well with some Liverpool supporters who feel anybody who comes in now will not have been the club's first choice.
But Alonso's decision could also have a knock-on effect for football around Europe. GB News takes a look at the winners and losers of Alonso's decision to snub the possibility of taking over at Anfield.
Winners
Pep Guardiola
Liverpool have been Manchester City's biggest rivals during Pep Guardiola's reign and Alonso was seen by many as the man who could pick up the pieces from Klopp's departure.
As an Anfield icon, he would have given an instant crowd boost from the start of next season.
Instead, Liverpool fans face the prospect of a stranger coming into the dugout who will need to prove themselves to the Anfield faithful first.
That undoubtedly helps City for the first few months of next season as Liverpool begin to find their new identity under the new boss.
Pep Guardiola could benefit from Xabi Alonso snubbing Liverpool
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Real Madrid
Liverpool may now have to forget about the prospect of bringing in Alonso for the foreseeable future with the Spaniard's decision to remain at Leverkusen a sign he could be holding out for the Real Madrid job.
Whoever Liverpool end up taking to replace Klopp this summer will be brought in with a long-term plan, meaning Alonso will unlikely be a viable option for years to come.
For Real, the timing could be perfect with Carlo Ancelotti's contract running for another two years to leave Alonso with enough time to leave a lasting legacy at Leverkusen.
Michael Edwards has a tough job on his hands
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Bayer Leverkusen
The biggest winner of all is undoubtedly Leverkusen, who would have understandably been fearful of Alonso walking away at the end of the season.
Managers rarely turn down the opportunities to go for some of Europe's biggest jobs, but Alonso has indicated his desire to continue building something special at Leverkusen.
Losers
Liverpool
Michael Edwards already knew he had a tough job on his hands when returning to Liverpool earlier this year but that is now even tougher with Alonso unavailable.
He's just getting started 😎@XabiAlonso | #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/bmK2UTz2fK
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 29, 2024
He may already have a different option in mind with reports suggesting the club are favouring Amorim.
But getting the majority of fans on side for such a move will take some convincing.
Premier League
While Liverpool's biggest rivals may breathe a sigh a of relief that Alonso won't be taking the Anfield job, neutral fans of the Premier League ultimately miss out.
Alonso has already established himself as one of Europe's best young managers and English football would ultimately benefit from having him work in the top division.
Real Madrid may be targeting Xabi Alonso as their next manager
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The Premier League has dominated European football in recent years due to being able to attract the world's best managers.
Bayern Munich
Alarm bells will be ringing at Bayern Munich with the prospect of losing their dominance of German football to Leverkusen.
Alonso appears to have won the battle this year already with Thomas Tuchel coming under increasing pressure.
Bayern have previously been able to knock down any challenger by poaching their best talent, but Leverkusen's most valuable asset has decided to stay and take the fight to them once again next year.
