As Liverpool name a 21-man squad to face PSG in the Champions League, reports on Xabi Alonso’s next step continue to emerge from England and beyond.
Xabi Alonso “obvious choice” for Liverpool – ready to work
Alonso has been out of work since parting ways with Real Madrid in mid-January, but is now reportedly “looking to get back to work.’
That is according to sources “close to the Spaniard” via talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, who has become increasingly reliable in recent years.
It is also stated that he would be an “obvious choice” for Liverpool if they part with Arne Slot, though Man City also consider him a “contender” to replace Pep Guardiola if he leaves this summer.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
This comes after French investigative reporter Romain Molina claimed Liverpool have identified Alonso as their “priority replacement,” with the club “convinced” by what he can offer.
Molina, via Get Football News France, understands that Slot is “unlikely” to be in charge next season, and thus Alonso has been identified as the replacement.
It is in line with the current narrative surrounding the ex-Red and the growing desire for him to replace Slot, and the talk on the eve of a huge Champions League clash underscores the club’s current malaise.
LFC News: 21-man squad named vs. PSG & suspension risk
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak (L) and Curtis Jones during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Alexander Isak has been named in Liverpool’s 21-man travelling squad to face PSG, though don’t expect a start for the striker! A rare positive for the Reds
• Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones will miss the second leg against PSG at Anfield if they are shown a yellow card in Paris – that would be the cherry on top, wouldn’t it?
• Bradley Barcola returned from injury this week for PSG, but Luis Enrique conceded he is “lacking a little confidence” and is not guaranteed to feature against Liverpool
• Steven Gerrard has criticised Virgil van Dijk for admitting the team ‘gave up’ at Man City, an “alarming” development that can’t happen at Liverpool. We need a figure like Stevie back at the club
• PSG have been told to expect a “walk in the park” by France World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry against the Reds – imagine someone saying that a few years ago, it’s unbelievable
ANALYSIS: How Slot changes ‘broke’ Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch was a key reason behind Liverpool’s success last season, but the change to his role has exposed the team, writes Danny Gallagher:
“Liverpool have some of the best midfielders in world football when they’re in top form and high confidence, yet Liverpool somehow don’t have an actual midfield at all.
“There have been and remain many mitigating factors for the struggles this season, but the decision to tactically reassemble the midfield structure is on the manager and the coaching staff.
“It has only served to stunt the confidence of players who so wildly excelled last season, while nullifying an array of attacking talent bought at a huge cost in the summer.”
Football News: Neco Williams interest, Harry Maguire contract & Champions League ties
Neco Williams Nottingham Forest (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Former Red Neco Williams is of interest to clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with Fabrizio Romano reporting they are “keen to test” Forest’s resolve – would you have him back?
• Man United have announced a new one-year contract for Harry Maguire on reduced terms – what does that say for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez? (MUFC)
• Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement having been without a club since leaving Mexican side Pumas UNAM last year. He’s expected to go into coaching (BBC)
• A reminder there are two Champions League quarter-final ties tonight: Real Madrid vs. Bayern and Sporting vs. Arsenal – both kickoff at 8pm (BST)
Liverpool FC: On this day
Reading, England - Saturday, April 7, 2007: Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa celebrates scoring the opening goal, and his first for the club, against Reading during the Premier League match at the Madejski Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is a surprising fact, but Liverpool didn’t actually play away against Reading, who were formed in 1871, until April 7, 2007.
On their first trip to the then Madejski Stadium, Liverpool won 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Dirk Kuyt after Brynjar Gunnarsson had brought the hosts level just after the break.
Rafa Benitez‘s Reds had taken the lead a quarter of an hour in through an unlikely source, full-back and now Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who ran onto his own headed clearance from a corner and drove up the pitch, exchanging passes with Peter Crouch before finishing with the composure of a seasoned striker.
Reading, England - Saturday, April 7, 2007: Liverpool's fan Cilla Black, who is also the partner of Reading's Chairman John Madejski, takes her seat during the Premier League match at the Madejski Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As a side note, there was a surprise appearance in the stands from legendary Liverpool singer Cilla Black, who was the partner of Reading chairman John Madejski!