Transfer news: Alonso eyes sensational Chelsea raid on Liverpool this summer

Transfer news: Xabi Alonso is a “huge fan” of Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz and is keen for Chelsea to sign him this summer, sources have told Football Insider. The report surfaced on 27 May 2026, quickly spreading across football circles and catching many supporters off guard. Liverpool signed Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen just one year ago in a deal worth up to £116 million, yet the German has so far struggled to fully justify that extraordinary fee. This transfer news has sparked a genuine debate over whether Liverpool would seriously consider selling a player they acquired so recently.

What does the transfer news report tell us?

Wirtz ultimately ended his debut Premier League campaign making consecutive appearances from the bench, a stark contrast to the dominant influence he carried at Leverkusen under Alonso’s guidance. During those Leverkusen years, only three players made more appearances under Alonso, while Wirtz accumulated 43 assists under the Spaniard, placing him well clear of any other player in that squad.

That history explains why Alonso views him so highly. Sources suggest Liverpool would be open to letting Wirtz leave for the right deal, even though the club would publicly deny any such willingness. Chelsea are coming off a dismal 2025/26 campaign in which they sacked two managers and failed to qualify for European football entirely, making this summer’s rebuild a genuine priority for Alonso.

Will this transfer news materialise into a real deal?

Honestly, Liverpool selling Wirtz after just one season feels far-fetched, and here is why. Wirtz remains under contract until 2030, and the German still has considerable time to grow into the club’s expectations. He managed 17 goal contributions in his debut season, which, for a 23-year-old adapting to a completely new league, is a perfectly respectable return regardless of the transfer fee attached to his name. Liverpool would also need to recover something close to £116 million to make any sale financially defensible.

Transfer news: Xabi Alonso has decided the transfer price for Enzo Fernandez

There is a broader story here, too. Selling Wirtz to a direct Premier League rival, especially Chelsea, would create enormous backlash from Liverpool’s supporter base at a time when manager Arne Slot is already under pressure. The club simply cannot afford another public relations misstep. Alonso’s admiration is genuine, but transfer news rarely travels in straight lines, and Liverpool’s board will almost certainly protect this particular asset. The 2026 summer window will be fascinating, but do not expect this one to happen.