With uncertainty growing around Arne Slot’s long-term future at Anfield, attention is beginning to shift toward possible alternatives. One name that continues to resurface is Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder who has built a strong managerial reputation in recent years.

Reports suggest that if Liverpool’s hierarchy begin to lose confidence in Slot, Alonso could be considered as a replacement. More interestingly, the Spaniard is believed to have already identified four players he would like Liverpool to sign should he take charge.

Pressure Mounting on Arne Slot

Liverpool’s season took another damaging turn after a dramatic 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth, a result that further dented their title defence. Despite entering the campaign as reigning Premier League champions, the Reds currently sit sixth in the table with 36 points from 23 matches.

While winning the league now looks unlikely, Champions League qualification remains the bare minimum expectation. Failure to secure a top-four finish could leave Slot’s position under serious threat heading into the summer.

Interestingly, Alonso’s managerial numbers compare favourably. During his time at Real Madrid, he averaged 2.24 points per game, slightly higher than Slot’s 2.00 points per match across a much larger sample.

The Four Players Alonso Reportedly Wants

Despite Liverpool spending heavily in recent transfer windows, Alonso is said to believe the squad still needs refinement—particularly in defence, midfield creativity, and wide attacking areas.

Micky van de Ven (Tottenham)
The Dutch centre-back is admired for his recovery pace and composure. Alonso reportedly sees him as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, whose Liverpool future is beginning to draw questions. While a deal would be costly, Van de Ven is viewed as a strategic investment.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Liverpool’s midfield has lacked invention at times this season, and Wharton’s ability to progress the ball and break lines has caught Alonso’s eye. The England international is seen as someone who could inject urgency and creativity into the Reds’ engine room.

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
After impressing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Olise moved to Bayern Munich in 2024. His numbers this season—13 goals and 22 assists in 30 games—have been outstanding. Alonso is believed to be keen on bringing him back to England to solve Liverpool’s struggles in wide areas.

Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Highly rated across Europe, Barcola has also been linked with Liverpool in recent months. Reports claim preliminary discussions have already taken place, with Alonso viewing the 23-year-old as a perfect fit for a refreshed attacking setup.

Possible Departures to Fund the Rebuild

Landing even two of these targets would likely require Liverpool to sell players first. Several current squad members have been mentioned as potential casualties if Alonso arrives.

Defender Ibrahima Konaté is one name reportedly under consideration, while midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have struggled to replicate their title-winning form from last season.

In attack, Cody Gakpo and even club icon Mohamed Salah have been mentioned as possible exits. While Salah remains one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, his sale would significantly boost the club’s transfer budget if Alonso looks to reshape the frontline.

A Defining Few Months Ahead

With the season entering a critical phase, Liverpool’s leadership faces big decisions. Whether Arne Slot can steady the ship—or whether Xabi Alonso is handed the keys to a new era—could define the club’s direction for years to come.

One thing is clear: if Alonso does arrive, major changes would follow.