Xabi Alonso is reportedly ready to return to managing since taking a break after he parted ways with Real Madrid, with the Spaniard on Manchester City’s shortlist of managers to replace Pep Guardiola.
Alonso is actively seeking opprtunities to return to managing and so Liverpool have naturally been heavily linked with signing him to replace the struggling Slot.
Liverpool could find themselves missing out on the 44-year-old, according to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook, who reports that the former pupil of Guardiola’s is on the list of managers to replace the legendary Spanish manager at the Etihad.
Xabi Alonso is a contender to replace Pep Guardiola at #ManCity if he steps down at the end of the season.
[via @alex_crook]
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 7, 2026
Crook reports: “Sources close to the Spaniard have indicated he is looking to get back to work after being sacked by Real Madrid in January.
“The Liverpool legend and Bundesliga title-winning coach with Bayer Leverkusen would appear an obvious choice if the Reds hierarchy decides to part company with under-fire Arne Slot.
Indeed, travelling Liverpool fans sung Alonso’s name during Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup quarter final thrashing at Manchester City. While the Liverpool board have continued to back Slot during their poor Premier League title defence, the nature of the defeat at the Etihad and the reaction from the usually loyal travelling fans will not have gone unnoticed.
“Alonso is also believed to be a contender to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City if he steps down at the end of the season.”
?? Liverpool fans have also had enough at the Etihad ?
They started chanting “Bring back our club, this is a joke!” before walking out of the stadium with over 20 minutes still to play. ?. pic.twitter.com/SOCq6kBmhK
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) April 4, 2026
Liverpool cannot afford to miss out on Xabi Alonso to Manchester City
With a dearth of top managers in football right now, Liverpool are taking a major gamble by not acting on Alonso’s availability. There has been a narrative shift on Slot’s future since the 4-0 defeat to Man City on Sunday, and to then see City gazump Alonso would be a catastrophic double whammy.
Given Liverpool and City’s huge rivalry in the Premier League in recent years, it would be a critical blow in the fight to dominate in England’s top flight over the next few years.
? | @Romain_Molina: Liverpool have identified Xabi Alonso as a priority target, with Arne Slot 'unlikely' to be in charge next season. pic.twitter.com/UBBM1R72oR
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) April 7, 2026
Liverpool are at a crucial juncture in their recent history. They won the Premier League in Slot’s first season in charge, but the astounding capitulation in his second season has raised serious alarm bells over his suitability to the job.
Since Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League last season, the Reds have lost 50% of their games across all competitions, with today’s trip to Paris now ironically placed.
FSG are paying close attention to Slot’s situation at Liverpool, and there is a sense that his days at the club are numbered, particularly if results continue to go against Slot and his players.