Liverpool READY to turn to Xabi Alonso after contact made with midfield legend

It’s been a tough second season at Anfield for Arne Slot.

The Dutch head coach was appointed ahead of the 2024/25 season - and it couldn’t have gone any better. Despite minimal signings in his first transfer window - with only Federico Chiesa added - Slot won the Premier League title with the squad he inherited.

And once Richard Hughes spent £450m on improvements last summer it was expected that the 47-year-old would embark on a period of unprecedented success.

But it’s not worked out like that.

Liverpool are languishing in sixth place - in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification - and have all but surrendered their title to Arsenal.

Slot safe.. for now

At one stage the Anfield side went on a run of SIX defeats from only seven matches and recently snapped a five-match winless streak in the top flight by beating Newcastle.

The club remain insistent that NO change is going to be made in the dugout with Hughes and his FSG paymasters backing a coach contracted until 2027.

But that has not stopped the club from seeking to get a better understanding of the coaching landscape in the event they DO make a change.

According to a report in TEAMtalk Liverpool have reached out to Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool contact Xabi Alonso's camp

The Spaniard was dismissed from his position at Real Madrid in January and is in the sights of Manchester City should Pep Guardiola step down in summer.

But Liverpool have made the first move for their former midfielder - although it must be reiterated that Slot’s job looks a little safer now than it did when Liverpool reportedly made contact.

“Alonso is held in such high regard at rivals Liverpool after starring at Anfield during his playing days between 2004-09,” the report reads.

“What’s more, Alonso’s camp had been contacted by Liverpool earlier in 2026 at a time when Arne Slot’s future remained a topic of fervent debate.

“Slot isn’t going anywhere, with the Dutchman still backed and trusted by Liverpool’s hierarchy. But in the event Liverpool’s situation implodes and Slot were removed from power, Alonso is the manager they’d turn to.”

That should act as a warning for Slot with City on the horizon in the Champions League. The club will face a relatively gentle run of Premier League fixtures after next weekend - and in a few weeks should be well established back in the top four.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all have got Champions League ambitions of their own. For Slot’s future employment prospects he is going to need those rivals to fall away - because Alonso knows that Liverpool want him as the next man up.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move