Arne Slot’s job at Liverpool is becoming more and more unstable as the weeks roll on, with the Premier League champions stumbling towards a nightmare season. The firm favourite to replace him at Anfield if he is dismissed is Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish coach has been waiting in the wings ever since leaving Real Madrid in early 2026, with many expecting the ex-Red to return to his old club if a change is made. While his time in Spain didn’t work out, Alonso is still one of the highest-rated managers in the world.
With every disappointing result for Liverpool, such as the 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Tottenham, Slot’s position appears to be growing less secure. Reports have suggested which signings Alonso would be looking to make, while his agent has spoken out.
Xabi Alonso’s First Three Signings at Liverpool
According to Football365, reports in Spain have claimed Alonso has now set his demands to take up the Anfield hotseat. The Spanish tactician reportedly has put forward Alessandro Bastoni as ‘a key piece in building a solid team from the back’.
The Italian centre-back would attract a high transfer fee, but is capable of filling in as a left-back while also being used to the left-sided role of a back three. That’s a system Alonso used regularly at Bayer Leverkusen and could allow Virgil van Dijkto be more protected.
Going into more detail, the report also claims that Crystal Palace maestro, Adam Wharton, is top of Alonso’s wishlist in the middle of the park. Very much of a similar mould to the precise passing and controlled style Alonso showed in his playing days, Wharton is expected to be hot property this summer.
The report states: “In addition to strengthening the defence, the Spanish manager has also requested the addition of young talent in other areas of the pitch. One of the names on his list is Adam Wharton, an English midfielder who has attracted considerable interest in the Premier League due to his ability to control the tempo of the game and his potential for future success.”
Finally, Bradley Barcola is the man to inject some much-needed pace and dribbling ability on the wing. The Frenchman is capable of playing on either side and would be a significant improvement on a struggling Cody Gakpo and ageing Mohamed Salah.
Alonso’s Agent Breaks Silence on Liverpool Links
While some supporters may already be getting excited at the prospect of seeing Alonso back on Merseyside, his agent has made sure to pour cold water on any talks of an ‘agreement’ to replace Slot. Speaking to WinWin (Per Yahoo), Inaki Ibanez said he is considering his options but nothing is close to being agreed:
“Alonso is considering all the offers he has received to determine his next destination for next season. All this talk of a contract with Liverpool is nothing more than media speculation.”