On the hunt for their Mohamed Salah replacement this summer, there has been a huge update on Liverpool's interest in a Real Madrid attacker.
Alonso delivers verdict on Liverpool job
The international break should have been a much-needed reprieve from endless criticism for Arne Slot, but the return of Jurgen Klopp to take charge of Liverpool's legends quickly reminded Anfield about what they've been missing.
Now, as Liverpool prepare to return to action against Manchester City in the FA Cup, even more questions are likely to arrive about the Dutchman's future.
What he hasn't been helped by is the availability of Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard left Real Madrid earlier this season and recent reports have claimed that he wants to take the job at Anfield, should Richard Hughes decide to pull the plug on Slot's tenure 12 months on from winning the Premier League title.
It seems absurd that the pressure is on Slot to turn things around so soon after winning the Premier League title, but Salah's pending departure also hasn't helped his case.
The Liverpool boss had a public fall-out with the Egyptian at the start of the year, dropping him out of the squad after initially dropping him down to the bench. Salah hit out, slamming the initial decision, before AFCON helped cool things down.
jurgen-klopp-press-conference Related
Liverpool could appoint 4-2-3-1 manager who was in line to replace Klopp
Arne Slot is facing judgement day at the end of the season as his Liverpool tenure comes under real threat.
Now, following the announcement that he will be heading for the exit door this summer, Salah's legacy is being celebrated at the same time it's being used to add further pressure to Slot's tenure.
What's more, Alonso's arrival could also help the Reds secure their replacement for their Egyptian King this summer - adding further incentive.
As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool are now in constant contact with Arda Guler and his representatives over a move to Anfield this summer.
arda-guler-real-madrid-la-liga
The Real Madrid winger has fallen down the pecking order since Alonso's departure and, if all falls into place, could get a welcomed reunion with the Spaniard in Merseyside.
Alonso certainly rates the winger, too. He told reporters earlier this season: “With his quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach."
League stats 25/26 Guler Salah
Minutes 1,854 1,820
Goals 4 5
Assists 8 6
Chances Created 63 44
Successful dribbles 25 12
Although Guler's output is unlikely to ever reach the rate that Salah managed at his best during his time at Liverpool, he could offer the Reds the chance to change their system.
With Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak potentially forming a partnership, there's room for natural wingers rather than inside forwards at Anfield from next season. Slot has already tested a 4-2-2-2 system - using Jeremie Frimpong on the right-hand side - and that could be perfect for Guler.