Xabi Alonso's links to Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down, as pressure builds on Arne Slot following the team's 3-2 Premier League loss at Bournemouth
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
13:11, 25 Jan 2026
Xabi Alonso is reportedly in line to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool
Xabi Alonso is reportedly in line to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: )
Reports in Spain claim that Liverpool has contacted Xabi Alonso in a bid to learn of his availability as Arne Slot's job remains under intense pressure.
The former Reds midfielder surprisingly left Real Madrid earlier this month after just seven months in charge. Alonso, 44, was the most sought-after manager in 2024, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich both said to have enquired about the Spaniard, who opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
He ended up leaving the Bundesliga side a year later to join the Spanish team, but now finds himself as a free agent and is reportedly taking a break from management after a chaos-filled stint in Madrid.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola rubs salt into Liverpool wounds with 'incredible' Marc Guehi verdictREAD MORE: UK media gives brutal Mohamed Salah verdict as Liverpool 'back in reverse'
With Liverpool continuing to show inconsistency, most recently during the team's 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Spanish outlet AS reports that the club have taken the first step in appointing Alonso as head coach.
The Reds have reportedly contacted Alonso's representatives to inquire about his availability, with the response said to be "positive."
The outlet claimed that despite the disappointing campaign from the Merseyside team, Slot has been promised to see out the rest of the season.
Xabi Alonso is currently on a break from management
Xabi Alonso is currently on a break from management(Image: Getty Images)
That stance may change should the Reds go on a run similar to what they went through in November, when they had lost six of their last seven games across all competitions. With just five league wins since September, time is running out for Slot to put things right.
The Dutchman has already fielded questions regarding Alonso's possible interest in the Liverpool job, to which he answered with a twinge of humor. "He called me saying he will take over six months! No, no, no," Slot replied prior to the Reds' victory over Marseille.
"One of the weirdest questions I've ever got. What is there to say? I am working here for 18 months, and I like my work here.
"Won the league, struggled more this season, that is obvious. The boos... no maybe I heard a few, but it wasn't a lot, but that is also normal that when you draw v Burnley, no one is happy with that.
"But when the people went home, the emotions calmed down, maybe they thought [it was too much]."
Article continues below
With hopes of retaining the Premier League title bleak at best, Liverpool maintains two opportunities to win silverware this season.
The Reds take on Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Valentine's Day, while they look set to earn passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League as they sit fourth in the league phase table.
A win against Qarabag on Wednesday will secure their place in the next round.