Liverpool running out of time to appoint Xabi Alonso

Times are currently tough for Arne Slot.

The Liverpool head coach - appointed in the post-Jurgen Klopp shakeup - won the Premier League title at the first time of asking. But this season the reigning English champions have been a shadow of their former selves.

Liverpool have been humiliated in both domestic cups, are looking set to be eliminated from the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and are struggling to requalify for the competition again next season via their league placing.

If no turnaround is achieved then it would be no surprise to see Slot on his way at the end of the campaign. Under contract until 2027 the Dutchman’s tenure could end one year early - and focus would then turn on who comes in to replace him.

Could Xabi Alonso replace Arne Slot?

Back in 2024 it was Xabi Alonso widely thought to be leading the race to become Liverpool’s next head coach. But having coached Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten league and cup double the Spaniard decided to stay put for another season.

His next job - at Real Madrid - lasted only a matter of months but he now looks ready to jump back into the management game.

The 44-year-old would be an ideal fit for Liverpool and their players right now but Richard Hughes is going to have to move fast.

If FSG are waiting to see if Slot manages to qualify the team for the Champions League then it might be too late for Alonso’s appointment.

Because the Anfield club are not the only ones interested in signing the former midfielder.

Five clubs open talks with Xabi Alonso

Football Transfers is now reporting that FIVE clubs have opened talks with the FIFA World Cup winner over a summer deal.

Portuguese trio Benfica, Porto and Sporting CP have all been in contact with Alonso’s people - as have Manchester rivals City and United. Clearly all these teams know what Alonso can offer - and have stolen a march on the opposition in the race to appoint him.

Furthermore the report claims Paris Saint-Germain have got Alonso on the list should they lost Luis Enrique to Real Madrid.

Liverpool better not gamble with the future of the head coach’s role here. They had Alonso on the shortlist once before - and the lure will be strong given his history as a Champions League-winning player for the Reds.

But indecision could open the door to other top English and European sides - who can set out a clear blueprint at an earlier juncture for the former Spain international.

It means Hughes and FSG are facing a massive conundrum ahead of the off-season.

Sack Slot now and talk to Alonso? Or leave it until the end of the season and risk losing him to another team?

Right now they are running out of time in the race to appoint Xabi Alonso and their next move is proving to be a pivotal one.

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