Xabi Alonso in Talks with Liverpool to Replace Arne Slot: Agent Confirms Contact
The pressure is mounting on Arne Slot less than a year after delivering Liverpool a second Premier League title, with reports suggesting the club is already exploring potential replacements. At the forefront of that search is a familiar face: Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder who has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising managers.
According to multiple reports, including confirmation from Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez, Liverpool has initiated contact regarding a potential move this summer. , sources indicate that Liverpool’s chief executive, Michael Edwards, is keen to gauge Alonso’s interest as early as spring. This comes as Slot’s second season at Anfield has fallen considerably short of expectations, marked by a significant drop in form and a growing sense of unease around the club.
Liverpool’s title defense has been particularly disappointing. After a dominant 2025 campaign, the reigning champions have already suffered 10 Premier League losses this season – a figure not reached since the 2015-16 season. This inconsistency, despite a substantial €500 million investment in the squad last summer, including the high-profile signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, has prompted the club’s hierarchy to consider alternative options.
Alonso’s recent departure from Real Madrid, after a brief but impactful six-month tenure, has positioned him as the leading candidate. Even as his time at the Bernabéu was cut short, his previous success at Bayer Leverkusen – where he secured the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title in an unbeaten 2024 campaign – remains a significant draw for Liverpool’s decision-makers. The Spaniard’s understanding of the club’s culture, stemming from his five years as a player at Anfield, is also seen as a major advantage.
However, Alonso is reportedly setting conditions for any potential move. His experience at Real Madrid, where he felt his input on squad building was disregarded, has made him determined to have greater control over recruitment and squad planning at his next club. According to reports, Alonso’s agent has made it clear that he is seeking assurances on this front before considering any offer from Liverpool.
The situation is further complicated by the expected departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of the season. The Egyptian forward’s exit is anticipated to facilitate a significant tactical reset, and the club views Alonso as the ideal manager to oversee that process. The potential arrival of Alonso aligns with a broader vision of rebuilding and reshaping the squad, maximizing the potential of players like Wirtz.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit recently voiced his support for Alonso to take the reins at Liverpool, citing the Spaniard’s legacy at Anfield as a key factor. Petit believes that Alonso’s connection to the club and his understanding of its traditions make him the perfect fit to succeed Slot, should the latter be dismissed.
While Slot remains in his position for now, the mounting pressure and the club’s proactive exploration of alternatives suggest that his future at Anfield is far from secure. The club’s hierarchy, led by Edwards, appears to be preparing for a potential change in management, with Xabi Alonso firmly in their sights. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Slot can turn things around or if Liverpool will turn to a familiar face to restore their Premier League dominance.
Alonso himself is reportedly eager to return to management, having indicated through his agent that he is open to discussing opportunities. However, he is also said to be cautious about making a hasty decision, prioritizing a club that will allow him to implement his vision and build a team in his image. The prospect of returning to Liverpool, a club where he enjoyed immense success as a player, undoubtedly holds significant appeal for the Spaniard.
The potential appointment of Alonso would represent a significant shift in direction for Liverpool. While Slot brought a different tactical approach to the club, Alonso is seen as a more natural successor to Jurgen Klopp, embodying the same passion, intensity, and commitment to attacking football. His arrival would also signal a renewed focus on developing young talent and building a sustainable long-term strategy.
The situation remains fluid, and much will depend on Liverpool’s performance in the remaining weeks of the season. However, one thing is clear: Xabi Alonso is remarkably much in the frame to become the next Liverpool manager, and the club is prepared to move quickly if the opportunity arises. The coming summer promises to be a pivotal one for Liverpool, with the future of the club hanging in the balance.