Thanks to his remarkable turn in the fortunes of Bayer Leverkusen, Xavi Alonso has become the hottest commodity in world football right now.
The former midfielder will be available for a number of vacant positions this summer, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich being the most interested teams, with Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel both leaving their respective clubs (one of his own free will and the other rather forced).
So, which club did Alonso go to?
Tactical fit adaptability comparison.
Alonso's relentless passing and pressing style has earned him applause this season, with Bayer Leverkusen scoring for fun at one end and barely conceding at the other. It's the football that every football fan dreams of playing with their team, but without the right players, it's nothing more than a dream.
Bayern certainly have plenty of players who will shine in Alonso's famous 3-4-2-1 game. Joshua Kimmich will play the role of Granit Xhaka at the heart of midfield, Alphonso Davies will be a creative wing-back, and Alonso may eventually be able to make the most of the talented but underperforming Matthijs de Ligt in a back three.
Still, as things stand, it seems that Liverpool will be better suited to the demands of Alonso's complex tactical set-up. The main reason is Trent Alexander Arnold.
The Scottish-born superstar appears to be aiming to play the role of Alex Grimaldo in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 match. As a full-back, he is free to float to the centre of midfield and get into the open space anywhere in the final third, which will be a sight to behold.
Winner: Liverpool.
Comparison of honor prospects.
Liverpool are currently competing for the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Bayern Munich are currently fighting for the win, well, nothing.
These facts would make one believe that by taking over Liverpool, Alonso will have more chances to win trophies, right?
But Bayern's absolute dominance in the Bundesliga, where they won the title in 11 years of spin, before Alonso's victory at Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool have won just one league title in the last 30 years, contrary to the dominance of Manchester United, Chelsea and now Manchester City.
To put it simply, if Alonso takes over Bayern, he is likely to win any of the Bundesliga titles he is fighting for. If he takes over Liverpool, those league titles are not so secure.
Winner: Bayern Munich.
Comparison of the two club platforms.
Listen, before we pick the winner, let's get this out of the way: Liverpool and Bayern Munich are basically football clubs of the same size. Both have legions of followers, both have won six UEFA Champions League titles, and both wear red (if that's anything to do with you).
The reason why we are slightly ahead of Liverpool in this category is because Jurgen Klopp is expected to replace one of the greatest coaches in the club's history. As the manager who ended the Reds' 30-year wait for the Premier League title and added another Champions League trophy, Jurgen Klopp is rightfully hailed as a true greatness in this game.
They are a big pair of shoes that need to be filled, and it feels like Alonso is the only coach who has the ability to fill their gaps.
Winner: Liverpool.
Comprehensive comparison.
Bayern are a logical next step for Alonso, but for us Liverpool are the best next step for the manager.
The Reds have built a solid foundation for him, with plenty of good young players going through the Academy, plenty of superstars in the starting box, and a sizable transfer fund that could bring the players he needs.
Winner: Liverpool.