Xabi Alonso 'Makes Liverpool Call' as Stance on Replacing Arne Slot Emerges After Real Madrid Sack

Just five days after his controversial sacking by Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, with reports indicating his keen interest in a Premier League return.[2][3]

Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, starting in June 2025 after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, lasted only seven months. It ended mutually on January 12, 2026, following a 3-2 Supercopa de España final loss to Barcelona. Disputes with players like Vinícius Júnior, dressing room tensions, flat performances, denied signings, injuries, and boardroom pressure from Florentino Pérez contributed to his exit.[2][4][5]

Now, Liverpool—a club where Alonso starred from 2004 to 2009, pivotal in the 2005 Champions League 'Miracle of Istanbul'—faces a crisis. After winning last season's Premier League title, the Reds sit fourth with 36 points, 14 points behind Arsenal, following a frustrating 1-1 home draw with Burnley that eroded fan faith in Slot.[2][3]

Sources, including The Times' Tom Allnutt, report Alonso is "keen" on the Anfield job but wants a rest, considering offers only from summer. He's the front-runner if Slot is sacked, praised for his unbeaten 2023/24 Bundesliga win with Bayer Leverkusen—where he coached talents like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong—and his deep Liverpool ties.[3][4]

While FSG still backs Slot, Alonso's availability positions him perfectly for a heroic return after 17 years, potentially revitalizing a slipping season. Luis Enrique is another option, but the Spaniard remains Liverpool's top target.[3][6]

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