Pressure is building at Liverpool for Arne Slot, and questions around his position are starting to grow. A recent draw at Anfield against relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur did not help his cause.
The reaction from the crowd said a lot. Despite guiding the club to the Premier League title in his first season, Slot is now facing real scrutiny.
At the same time, his contract situation adds another layer. Slot has not signed a new deal yet. By the time the new season begins, he will have less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
Naturally, that has opened the door to speculation about appointing Xabi Alonso as Slot’s successor. Reports in Spain, including El Nacional, suggest Liverpool still see him as a long-term option.
However, the situation is not straightforward. Alonso is not rushing into anything after leaving Real Madrid.
More importantly, he wants control over the sporting direction. And that is where the key condition comes in. Alonso will only consider the role if Liverpool agree to three specific signings.
Firstly, he wants a new defender, as Virgil van Dijk is nearing the final stage of his career. Alonso reportedly wants Alessandro Bastoni as a long-term solution.
Apart from the Italian, Alonso is said to be keen on Adam Wharton to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield. Also, he wants a new attacker.
With Mohamed Salah showing signs of decline and inconsistency, Alonso wants. Bradley Barcola from PSG.
Liverpool will need to invest heavily once again to sign these players. The Reds did spend heavily last summer. So, it remains to be seen whether they will replicate that next summer to bring Alonso.
🚨 Xabi Alonso has identified THREE key targets if he takes over Arne Slot at Liverpool this summer:
🇮🇹 Alessandro Bastoni (26)
🏴 Adam Wharton (22)
🇫🇷 Bradley Barcola (23)The Spaniard is said to be keen on strengthening defence, midfield and attack with a top-tier spine… pic.twitter.com/73R8XZSP1Y
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 18, 2026
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