Liverpool may appoint 44-year-old Spanish tactician Xabi Alonso to replace Arne Slot, and they have sounded out his representatives over a possible move.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xabi Alonso is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are scouring the managerial market amid uncertainties surrounding Arne Slot’s long-term future. So, the 44-year-old former Real Madrid boss has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit, and they have contacted his entourage to discuss a possible move.
How has Xabi Alonso fared in his managerial career?
Xabi Alonso has established himself as one of the world’s most promising young managers in the last few years. The Spaniard was among the finest players of his generation, enjoying trophy-laden spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He also represented Spain and won the UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 44-year-old called time on his professional career in 2017, and he immediately entered the coaching sphere. Alonso began his managerial career with Real Sociedad’s reserve side before taking over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022. He had a transformative effect on the German outfit, guiding Die Werkself to the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in his first full season with the German club while finishing as the runners-up in the UEFA Europa League.
The Spanish tactician’s next coaching assignment came with Real Madrid, and he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu before the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Alonso endured a topsy-turvy ride with Los Blancos and parted ways with the club earlier this month. Nevertheless, his stock remains high despite lasting at Real Madrid for less than a season, with Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League return on the horizon?
Xabi Alonso has been on Liverpool’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Arne Slot is under increasing pressure at Anfield after struggling in his second season with the Merseyside outfit. The latest setback was the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth this past weekend, with the result dropping Liverpool to sixth in the Premier League standings.
Several candidates have thus emerged on Liverpool’s wishlist, with Alonso also a viable target. The latest report has revealed the Premier League champions have sounded out the 44-year-old Spaniard’s representatives to discuss a possible move.
With pressure rising on Slot, his long-term future at Anfield is uncertain. However, while Alonso is a viable target for Liverpool, the Spanish tactician will have his pick of options as he plans his next move after leaving Real Madrid earlier this month. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
