Real Madrid's Spanish coach Xabi Alonso reacts during the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on January 11, 2026. Real Madrid appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as new coach on January 12, 2026 after coach Xabi Alonso has left the club by mutual consent, a day after the team lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona, AFP reports. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)
Xabi Alonso (Image credit: Getty Images)
Liverpool will make a decision on Arne Slot's future by the end of the 2025/26 season, after what has been a disappointing campaign for the reigning Premier League champions.
The Reds are far from guaranteed Champions League football next term, which would appear to be the bare minimum for Slot to keep his job, according to reports.
As per BILD in Germany, former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is in the frame to replace Slot with the two parties having maintained 'close contact' since Liverpool's initial approach in 2024.
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Liverpool undeterred by two previous Xabi Alonso rejections
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 10: Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso holds a press conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final to be played against Barcelona, on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid boss, shortly before his sacking
Alonso represented the Anfield club between 2004 and 2009 before joining LaLiga giants Real, followed by a stint with Bayern Munich.
Shortly after retiring from the playing side in 2017, Alonso returned to his Basque Country homeland where he schooled Real Sociedad's 'B' side before eventually earning the top coaching job at Leverkusen. It was with the German club he won an unbeaten league-and-cup double in 2023/24.
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Now, after a short stint with Real Madrid, Alonso is considered one of the top coaches in world football and remains sought-after by Liverpool bosses, despite his recent sacking at Santiago Bernabeu.
BILD claim during recent conversations between Alonso and the Reds' hierarchy, the Spaniard has rejected the opportunity to take charge mid-season.
Naturally, this has meant Slot remains in situ, but the picture could change significantly come the summer.
Alonso is also said to have rejected Liverpool two summers ago, following his double-winning campaign at Leverkusen. Liverpool subsequently appointed Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp, who delivered the Premier League title last season.
"According to SPORT BILD, Alonso is ready to join Liverpool. If the English club makes him a concrete offer, he will accept – provided his conditions are met beforehand", the German outlet claims.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso spent six months at the helm with Real Madrid
In FourFourTwo's opinion, Alonso to Liverpool makes lots of sense this summer. Slot should be able to steer the club into the Champions League places between now and the end of the season, but his relationship with the supporters does appear to have broken down.
Alonso would arrive already with the respect and adoration of Liverpool supporters, which should at least buy him some time to get things right on the pitch, if they were to go awry during the early stages of his hypothetical tenure.
What it means for Slot is the Dutchman could seen be looking for a new job, but with a Premier League title on his CV, he shouldn't be out of work too long.