Image Credits: Imago Images
The pressure cooker at Anfield just turned up another notch. As Liverpool’s once-promising season continues its alarming freefall, the club has reportedly made their first move for the man many fans have been screaming for – Xabi Alonso.
Spanish outlet Diario AS reported over the weekend that Liverpool’s power brokers have contacted Xabi Alonso’s representatives in recent days to gauge the availability and interest of their former midfielder, who finds himself a free agent after his acrimonious exit from Real Madrid earlier this month.
Liverpool have won just five of their last 18 Premier League matches – a staggering collapse that represents their fewest victories over an 18-game stretch under a single manager since Kenny Dalglish’s second stint at the club.
After spending a jaw-dropping £450 million in the summer transfer window – the most ever by a Premier League club, smashing Chelsea’s previous record – Liverpool currently sit sixth in the table, having slipped below both Chelsea and Manchester United following Saturday’s gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
The Cherries snatched victory with literally the last kick of the game, as Amine Adli bundled home in the 95th minute. It marked the third time this season Liverpool have conceded a winning goal in the 90th minute or beyond – their most ever in a single Premier League campaign.
However, despite the torrid form, Fabrizio Romano has reported that he has heard nothing about the Reds contacting Alonso over the weekend:
“I got lots of questions in last 24 hours about Liverpool making contact with Xabi Alonso over the possibility to take over Liverpool from Arne Slot,” the Italian transfer guru said on his YouTube channel.
“At the moment, I’m not aware of any official contact between Liverpool and Xabi Alonso – no direct contact between his agents and Liverpool. What I can tell you is that Xabi will be back soon.”
“Liverpool wanted him in the past, there is an appreciation for Xabi and he could be a candidate in case they change in the future. But at the moment, I’m not aware of contacts or talks.