The latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot faces pressure for Liverpool's poor start to the season while the Reds are facing yet another battle over player contracts
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 9: A dejected Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Arne Slot is under pressure after a poor start to the season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Liverpool's title defence has been a disaster thus far. The Reds' 3-0 drubbing by Manchester City marked their second consecutive defeat before the international break, following a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in September.
After 11 matches, Arne Slot's team find themselves in eighth place in the table, trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points. Despite showing signs of improvement with successive victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, the Reds look back to square one.
Following Sunday's thrashing at the hands of City, the Liverpool manager is coming under increasing pressure. The result has even led the Dutchman to put any talk of a title challenge on hold for now.
With rumours of a shortlist being prepared should Slot lose his position and a contract issue looming for Liverpool, The ECHO takes a look at the latest news from Anfield.
New manager 'shortlist'
While Slot still enjoys the support of the Liverpool board, a list of names he was reportedly up against before becoming Liverpool manager has emerged.
The Daily Mail reports that before Fenway Sports Group's (FSG) decision to appoint the Premier League-winning Dutchman, they considered approaches for Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart and former Brighton, now Marseille coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
Michel from Girona, Ernesto Valverde of Athletic Bilbao and Luciano Spalletti, formerly of Italy and now the Juventus boss were also in the mix.
Zinedine Zidane looks on and points
Zidane has been out of work since 2021
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The report claims the Reds could potentially look to return for those targets should Slot depart, although that scenario remains unlikely. It also highlights Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola as names to watch, while Inigo Perez of Rayo Vallecano is also flagged up as a manager who has made waves in the football world for his coaching skills.
French legend Zinedine Zidane, who has been jobless since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 is also mentioned. However, Zidane has reportedly kept himself at arm's length from managing in the Premier League in the past.
Vincent Kompany, who is currently impressing with Bayern Munich, was another name thrown into the hat although a move to City in the future, should Pep Guardiola depart the club, seems more probable.
Triple contract issue
Just months after sorting out the long-standing contract stalemates with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool appear to be facing a new challenge on that front.
Current contracts for the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominic Szoboszlai are nearing their end with the Premier League title-winners naturally in demand and their contracts due to expire in 2028.
The Daily Mail reports that negotiations are underway, with the Reds trying to secure the players who were signed in the summer of 2023. Liverpool are reportedly seeking long-term deals that reflect the players' value in the squad.
However, the agents representing all three players are reportedly pushing for improved contracts. Gravenberch has emerged as the Reds' standout performer this campaign, though his agent's remarks connecting the midfielder with Real Madrid are likely to concern supporters at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during a training session
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are out of contract in 2028
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"When Ryan was 16, Barca called us," Gravenberch's agent told the Mail. "They wanted to sign him, but his father and I prioritised his development. He's good enough for Real Madrid."
He added: "We would love for him to play for them, but Liverpool would ask for a lot of money. I know they've had their eye on him but now it's impossible."
Speaking ahead of facing Madrid, Gravenberch said: "Obviously I'm happy here, we have to see. We haven't talked yet [about a new contract], but we will see."
Mac Allister, meanwhile, has pledged his loyalty to the club. Addressing speculation linking him with Real Madrid whilst in Argentina, he said: "I read the rumours and the news reaches me, but the important thing is the present. No matter how much the club loves me, if I play poorly this weekend, they'll lose interest."
Spanish outlet AS have additionally reported that both Real and Manchester City are keeping close tabs on Szoboszlai.
Liverpool are understood to be eager to extend his deal until 2030 whilst offering the midfielder a salary increase to reflect his impressive displays, yet like his two midfield partners, the Hungarian international currently has no new contract offer on the table.