Liverpool have reportedly made ‘positive contact’ with club legend Xabi Alonso as they consider options to replace Arne Slot as manager.
The Dutchman’s future has been cast into doubt as the Reds continue to struggle their way through this turbulent season. Liverpool are still yet to record a Premier League win this year and they’ve now fallen to sixth in the table.
According to AS, Liverpool have informed Slot that they plan to keep him for the remainder of the season. However, this suggests they will start to look for new blood in the dugout over the summer, and Alonso is one of their leading targets.
Liverpool return is ‘appealing’ to Xabi Alonso
The report claims that Alonso is well aware he will be ‘welcomed’ back to his old stomping ground but he is not currently in a rush to make any decisions on his next move. He is taking some time out following his departure from Real Madrid, but while he intends to enjoy a brief break, it doesn’t mean he has closed the door on Liverpool. In fact, the Liverpool board know their former midfielder is ‘determined’ to return to Anfield.
Alonso’s time away from management since he mutually agreed to leave Los Blancos has given him ‘a new perspective’, and moving to Liverpool for his next chapter is ‘appealing to him’.
The Spaniard spent five years on Merseyside during his playing career and was part of the iconic side that beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
Alonso’s efforts in Istanbul, most notably his equaliser to force extra time and eventually penalties, has earned him his rightful place among Liverpool’s legends. Now, he could be about to go full circle and make a grand return to Anfield as their new manager next season.
Man United also want to sign Xabi Alonso
As Alonso takes some time to decide his next move, he isn’t short of options waiting for him. Earlier this month, Fichajes reported that the Premier League seems the most likely destination for the 44-year-old. Having won the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen and spent time in La Liga with Real Madrid, he is now expected to return to England for his new chapter.
While a move to the Premier League has been described as ‘inevitable’, it’s not just Liverpool who are linked with Alonso. Manchester United have also started to ‘seriously consider’ him as their next permanent manager. Rivals Manchester City are also reportedly intrigued by Alonso, who has been described as ‘one of the most promising coaches of the new generation’.
Old Trafford is reportedly viewed as an ‘attractive but chaotic’ project for Alonso, which has raised concerns among his representatives. However, United’s form under interim manager Michael Carrick has got the world talking again and could change a lot of perspectives in this second half of the season.
The Red Devils have won their two games under Carrick so far and both were statement victories. After beating both Man City and Arsenal, United will pitch themselves as an exciting destination for any managerial target if they can keep this form up.