Xabi Alonso is reportedly not on Liverpool’s agenda for the head coach job, with top journalist David Ornstein “not aware” of interest even if Arne Slot is sacked.
Alonso is understandably many supporters’ ideal candidate to take over as Liverpool manager amid growing unease around Slot’s position.
But the narrative as it stands is that Slot will keep his job regardless of whether he secures Champions League football for next season.
However, in a Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein reported that “even if” Slot were to be dismissed – which clearly remains possible – there is no indication that Fenway Sports Group would turn to Alonso.
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)
“I’m not aware of Alonso being on Liverpool’s agenda,” he explained.
“People might not like to hear that – and if I’m proved wrong, you can all laugh at me.
“However, I can only relay the information I source and corroborate at a particular time: Liverpool’s intention is to continue with Slot.
“Obviously, if things completely unravel, we might be having a different conversation.
“And even if a change were to be made (Slot is only contracted until 2027, and there don’t appear to be any talks yet over an extension), I don’t have any information to suggest Alonso would be in line to replace him.”
Is Arne Slot’s job safe? Liverpool contract situation casts doubt
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
When Does Arne Slot‘s Liverpool Contract Expire?
**Arne Slot**‘s current Liverpool contract expires on June 30, 2027. The Dutchman signed a three-year deal upon his arrival from Feyenoord in the summer of 2024.
Joined: June 2024Today: April 2026Expires: June 2027
Slot is currently 22 months into his 36-month contract.
Of course there may be some reading between the lines required, as Slot’s contract situation does not suggest unanimous support.
The Dutchman signed a three-year deal when he joined the club as Jurgen Klopp‘s successor in 2024, and even after delivering the Premier League title in his first season, FSG held back when it came to extended terms.
With Ornstein reporting that talks are seemingly not underway or even scheduled with regards Slot, there cannot be full conviction that the 47-year-old’s job is safe.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) and Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola before the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Until then, available candidates such as Alonso will loom in the background – however there is certainly a strong possibility that, despite his credentials and ties to the club, FSG would still look elsewhere.
Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness was among those considered before Liverpool hired Slot and he has continued his impressive work with the Bundesliga club since.
Furthermore, Andoni Iraola and Ernesto Valverde were admired during a lengthy recruitment process and both will leave their current sides – Bournemouth and Athletic Club – at the end of the season.