Tottenham Hotspur have been encouraged to think boldly about their future in the dugout, with suggestions that the club should consider Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for Thomas Frank.
However, those close to the situation have warned that appointing a manager of Alonso’s stature would come with serious consequences, particularly when it comes to how the club approaches transfers and squad building.
Alonso has only just left Real Madrid after a short and difficult spell in charge of his former club. His departure came less than a year after taking the job, following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
It brought an abrupt end to a tenure that never truly settled, despite the excitement that surrounded his appointment. Real Madrid have since placed Alvaro Arbeloa in temporary charge as they search for a longer-term solution.
Even so, Alonso’s reputation remains strong across Europe. His work at Bayer Leverkusen still carries huge weight, especially after guiding the German club to a historic league and cup double.
That season saw Leverkusen go unbeaten domestically, winning their first Bundesliga title in a campaign that is still spoken about with admiration. Because of that success, Alonso continues to be viewed as one of the most exciting young coaches in the game, regardless of how his time in Madrid unfolded.
Reports from Spain suggested that Alonso’s spell at Real Madrid was affected by tension behind the scenes. There were claims of disagreements with senior players, including Vinicius Jr, and some squad members were said to be uncomfortable with his preferred 4-4-2 system.
Despite those issues, many still believe his ideas, standards, and personality would suit a club looking for a clear football identity.
One of the loudest voices backing the idea of Alonso at Tottenham is talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan. He believes Spurs would benefit from bringing in a manager who would challenge the club’s hierarchy and demand a higher level of ambition.
According to Jordan, Alonso would not quietly accept transfer plans that focus on safe or conservative targets. Instead, he would push for elite-level signings and expect the club to match his vision with real investment.
Jordan has argued that Tottenham’s ownership and decision-makers would quickly feel pressure if Alonso walked through the door. In his view, Alonso would not tolerate what he sees as muddled thinking or compromise in the transfer market.
He even suggested that previous managers labelled as difficult, such as Antonio Conte, would look easy to deal with compared to Alonso, based on what has already been seen during his time at Real Madrid.
These comments come at an awkward time for Spurs, who are closing in on the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid. The midfielder is expected to complete a £35 million move after being given permission to undergo a medical.
Gallagher has agreed to a long-term deal that would keep him at the club until the summer of 2031, and the transfer would become the eighth signing under Thomas Frank since his arrival.
Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer, is already feeling the strain. Tottenham currently sit 14th in the Premier League and are eight points off the top four after 21 matches.
Their recent FA Cup exit to Aston Villa has only increased frustration among supporters, many of whom are questioning the direction of the club and the progress being made on the pitch.
Despite the growing criticism, Spurs have so far continued to back Frank. The club’s leadership appears willing to give him time to implement his ideas and shape the squad in his image.
However, patience is wearing thin, and results will need to improve quickly to calm the mood around the stadium.
The idea of Xabi Alonso at Tottenham is an attractive one for many fans, but it is also a risky path. Hiring him would likely mean a shift in power and expectations.
He would demand better players, stronger backing, and a clear commitment to competing at the highest level. For a club that has often been accused of playing it safe, that could either spark a new era or expose long-standing issues at the top.
For now, Thomas Frank remains in charge, and Tottenham continue to move forward under his leadership. But the noise around Alonso shows how restless things have become.
If Spurs truly want to aim higher, they may one day need a manager who refuses to compromise. Whether the club is ready for that reality is another question entirely.
