While Liverpool supporters had hopes of a reunion with Xabi Alonso, the club reportedly never made contact ahead of his Chelsea appointment.
Alonso has officially been announced as Chelsea‘s new manager, with the Spaniard signing a four-year deal to end speculation over his future and end any possible return to Liverpool.
The hope for many supporters was that Liverpool would part ways with Arne Slot in the summer, paving the way for Alonso to return to management at Anfield after leaving Real Madrid in January.
However, *The Telegraph*‘s Dominic King and GiveMeSport‘s Ben Jacobs, among others, have since reported that “Liverpool have not had contact with Alonso at all.”
An approach was “never made” for the 44-year-old, with King adding the club “have been unyielding in their support of” Slot.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) embraces Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso before the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is at odds with reports from Spain and Germany earlier this year, which claimed Liverpool had “been pursuing him intensely” and that Alonso was “ready” for a Merseyside return.
Many will view Alonso’s move to Stamford Bridge as a major oversight by the club, especially after Mo Salah‘s recent comments and the growing clamour for the club to move on from Slot.
And while some will not be receptive to continued reports of the club backing the Dutchman, *The Times*‘ Paul Joyce reports that “Liverpool have continued to stand behind Slot.”
Joyce adds that the club “are planning a pivotal summer transfer window” under Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, aimed at addressing “design faults in the squad which persist despite last summer’s £450 million spending spree.”
The timing of Alonso’s Chelsea announcement will be particularly disheartening for those wanting a new direction in the summer, with one top candidate already off the table.
Adding to the uncertainty are the concerns that Hughes and Edwards are making decisions for Liverpool’s long-term future when there has been little indication they will stay beyond 2027.
Have Your Say
Is the club right to stand behind Arne Slot, or is overlooking Xabi Alonso a mistake?
With Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and others set to depart, can the current hierarchy be trusted with a vital summer?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.