Xabi Alonso Ready for Liverpool? Arne Slot Facing Exit, Mo Salah Also Departing

A tenth league defeat of the season has likely sealed the fate of Liverpool manager Arne Slot. A 1-2 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion saw the Dutch coach’s position become increasingly precarious, with only the struggles of rival clubs for Champions League qualification preventing an immediate dismissal. At the very least, a change is expected this summer, and the club’s preferred successor is clear: Xabi Alonso. However, the Bayer Leverkusen manager is unwilling to take the reins mid-season.

A significant overhaul is brewing at Liverpool. Adding to the uncertainty, superstar Mo Salah is also set to leave the club at the end of the season, despite having a contract that runs until 2027. The Egyptian has been a prolific goalscorer for the “Reds” since joining in 2017, netting 255 goals in 435 appearances. Salah’s departure, coupled with a potential managerial change, presents a chance for a fresh start for both Liverpool and Alonso.

Liverpool Maintained Contact with Alonso

Liverpool is currently facing a sporting crisis. The team has secured just four points from their last four Premier League matches and currently sits in fifth place – a position that may not be enough to secure Champions League football. The race for a top-four finish is intensely competitive, with Aston Villa currently five points ahead of Liverpool, despite also experiencing a recent dip in form. Chelsea, one point behind Liverpool, has also struggled, earning only three points from their last twelve available.

Slot finds himself in a defensive position, attempting to justify the club’s significant investment of over £500 million (including the acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Leverkusen) last summer. He argues that Liverpool offset these expenditures by selling players for over £300 million (including Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich). However, these sales weren’t driven by a desire from players to leave after the 2025 championship, but rather by the need to create space in the squad following the extensive summer spending. Slot has, thus far, failed to forge a cohesive and winning team from the wealth of talent at his disposal.

Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to take over in the summer. Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by Michael Edwards, had previously attempted to secure Alonso’s services in the spring of 2024. At that time, the Spaniard declined, having just led Leverkusen to an unprecedented unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season. Edwards has maintained contact ever since, even throughout Slot’s challenging 2025/26 campaign. Alonso’s representatives have recently confirmed receiving concrete inquiries for the former World Cup and European Championship winner.

Alonso Ready for Liverpool, With Conditions

Liverpool is considered among the most serious contenders, and reportedly has the best chance of securing Alonso’s signature. According to reports, Alonso is prepared to accept an offer from Liverpool, provided his conditions are met. A key requirement is significant influence over squad planning. His previous experience at Real Madrid, where his transfer requests were ignored, serves as a cautionary tale.

Alonso’s decision to join Real Madrid for the Club World Cup in the summer, despite his reservations, proved to be a misstep. Following a 0-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the new FIFA tournament, he faced immediate pressure before the start of the 2025/26 season. A mid-season appointment at Liverpool is not on the table for Alonso.

Alonso was relieved of his duties at Real Madrid in January. Since then, Liverpool has been actively pursuing him. His return to Anfield is viewed as the best opportunity to unlock the potential of the club’s talented squad. He previously developed Florian Wirtz from a promising talent into a world-class player at Leverkusen, and the German midfielder has already begun to flourish at Liverpool. Alonso could provide the final piece of the puzzle.

Alonso’s strengths lie in establishing a clear tactical identity, fostering a strong mentality within the team, and consistently improving individual players. At Liverpool, he would likely have more autonomy as a manager than he experienced at Real Madrid, where the role often involved managing the egos of established stars.

The next few months will be crucial for Liverpool. The club’s performance in the remainder of the season, particularly their pursuit of Champions League qualification, will undoubtedly influence the decision-making process. However, the allure of bringing back a club legend like Xabi Alonso is strong, and the potential for a new era at Anfield is very real.

Liverpool’s next fixture is against Tottenham Hotspur on April 4th, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (3:00 PM BST / 19:00 UTC). The outcome of this match will be closely scrutinized as the club navigates a pivotal period in its history.

What do you think? Is Xabi Alonso the right man to lead Liverpool forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below!