Liverpool contact Xabi Alonso: Arne Slot’s future uncertain with Reds eyeing new boss

Sources told Diario AS that Liverpool reached out to Xabi Alonso’s agent to discuss his future. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach is currently on holiday after being sacked by Real Madrid earlier this month. Alonso took charge at the Bernabéu after the end of last season and began his tenure at the Club World Cup. However, after just seven months in charge, he was dismissed and is now taking time to consider his next step.

Despite his short and difficult spell in Madrid, Alonso remains one of the most sought-after coaches ahead of the summer. He is in no rush to return to management, with several options expected to be available. One of those could be Liverpool, a former club, as the Reds assess their future following a run of disappointing results under Slot.

After winning the Premier League title in his first season, Arne Slot has endured a sharp decline in form during his second campaign. A disastrous run in October and November 2025 put his position under scrutiny, before a brief recovery saw Liverpool return to the top four and stay alive in the Champions League. However, results since the start of 2026 have renewed doubts over his long-term future at Anfield.

Liverpool were initially reluctant to make a managerial change before the end of the season despite inconsistent performances. However, Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth has intensified pressure on Slot, with his time at the club now increasingly uncertain. Within the club, Alonso is reportedly viewed as a leading candidate should a change be made.

This is not the first time Liverpool have shown interest in Alonso. In 2024, he was strongly linked with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool but chose to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for another season before eventually taking the Real Madrid job. With Vincent Kompany now thriving at Bayern, Liverpool could represent Alonso’s most realistic top-level option.

Should he take over at Anfield, Alonso would reunite with former players Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, both key figures in his tactical system. While Liverpool are unlikely to switch to Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation due to a lack of centre-backs, the Spaniard has already shown his ability to adapt tactically during his time in Madrid and could adjust quickly to the squad at his disposal.