Who will be in the dugout at Liverpool next season remains uncertain as Arne Slot struggles to get the Premier League champions back on track. The most likely successor at the English club is Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish coach has only just left Real Madrid after struggling to get the star-studded Los Blancos squad singing from the same hymn sheet, but is still regarded as one of the best managers in the world. He also has a strong connection with Liverpool, having played for the Reds from 2004 to 2009.
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As the pressure mounts on Slot and Alonso's newfound availability casts doubts over the Anfield hot seat, we've decided to take a look at how the latter would line the Merseysiders up if he were to get the job, and make the four dream signings he reportedly wants.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Micky van de Ven celebrating after scoring for Tottenham against Everton in the Premier League
Alisson Becker isn't expected to go anywhere in the summer, and would therefore be Alonso's first choice in between the sticks as one of the best in world football. Likewise, Virgil van Dijk would likely still be the main man at the heart of the backline, adding much-needed experience.
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One of the four players Alonso has reportedly 'asked Liverpool to sign' is Van Dijk's international teammate Micky van de Ven. The rapid Tottenham star is a fan of the Reds and could be looking for a step up. That would be some central defensive partnership.
Flying full-backs Jeremie Frimpong - who won the Bundesliga under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen - and Milos Kerkez would continue to be regular starters under their new boss.
The interesting decision will be whether Alonso goes to his trusted formation with three centre-backs and two wing-backs that worked well at Leverkusen. However, with Ibrahima Konate expected to move on, the Reds will need to do some serious business to have enough defenders for that to work.
Midfielders
dominik szoboszlai
A new-look engine room would see Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch moved on and replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai dropping deeper and Crystal Palace fulcrum Adam Wharton.
The Englishman is expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer after proving himself to be one of the best midfielders in the division. Wharton's passing range and composure would only go to new levels under Alonso, who was a midfield maestro himself.
In front of them, and providing the creativity in the team would be Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker rose to prominence under the Spanish manager's watch and was even compared to Lionel Messi by Alonso. The £116 million superstar is finding his feet at Anfield slowly, but the managerial change would see him reach new levels.
Forwards
Michael Olise
As Slot had in the early parts of the current season, Alonso would have the dilemma of picking between two extremely talented strikers. Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak would both start for any team in the Premier League, but one would likely need to settle for a place on the bench.
Isak, as the more proven and senior forward, gets the nod in this dream XI. However, the Swede will need to be at his very best to keep his teammate out of the starting XI.
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah haven't been able to provide the same output as they did when Liverpool became champions in the 2024-25 season. There's every chance this will be their last season at Anfield.
Alonso is said to be keen on a pair of wonderful French wingers. Bayern Munich's Michael Olise has already managed double-figure goals and assists in this season's Bundesliga.
With a transfer value of over £100 million, the ex-Crystal Palace wide player would be the perfect successor to Salah. Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola appears to be the preferred choice on the opposite flank.
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The 23-year-old would make up one-third of a world-class front three that any defensive line would be concerned about. It would cost a lot of money to make Alonso's desired changes, but Liverpool would look like title challengers on paper if the club make it happen.
Statistics and transfer values in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 28-01-26.