Xabi Alonso’s representatives have reportedly been contacted by Liverpool as Arne Slot’s future remains uncertain following the Reds’ 3-2 defeat away at Bournemouth on Saturday (January 24).
Despite coming from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 against Andoni Iraola’s side, Amine Adli’s 95th-minute goal meant Liverpool suffered a brutal defeat on the south Coast which saw them drop out of the top four to sixth position in the Premier League due to both Manchester United and Chelsea winning on Sunday (January 25).
As a result of Liverpool’s, so far, dismal Premier League title defence, question marks remain about Slot’s future, which have been further fuelled by Alonso’s recent departure from Real Madrid.
The Spaniard mutually agreed to part ways with Real on January 12 after just seven months in charge and was replaced by fellow ex-Liverpool man Alvaro Arbeloa.
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Alonso was previously linked with taking charge of Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s 2024 exit, but instead, he remained as Bayer Leverkusen head coach for another season, while Slot arrived at Anfield and won the league at the first attempt.
But could Alonso soon be the head coach of his former club?
According to Spanish outlet AS, Alonso is “determined to return to Anfield” while reported “contact” with the 44-year-old’s management has been “positive”, with the Liverpool job thought to be "appealing” to him.
Just last week, Slot was asked about the prospect of Alonso taking over and branded the question as “one of the weirdest” he’s been asked during a press conference.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash in Marseille, Slot joked: “He [Alonso] called me, he asked, ‘What do you think about the team? Because I’m going to take over in six months. So can you tell me a little bit more?’”
The Dutchman added: “What is there to say? I have been working here for a little bit more than one and a half years, and I really like my work over here.
"We won the league last season, struggled more in the league this season. That is also obvious, so yes, what is there left to say?"
Since then, Alonso has remained as the bookmakers’ favourite to become the next permanent Liverpool head coach.
According to Oddchecker, Alonso is currently – as of 12:10 pm on January 26 – priced at 10/11, while Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique is at 2/1, with Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner making up the three front-runners at 10/1.
Next permanent Liverpool head coach odds
Xabi Alonso – 10/11
Luis Enrique – 2/1
Oliver Glasner – 10/1
Steven Gerrard – 16/1
Simone Inzaghi – 16/1
Andoni Iraola – 20/1
Jurgen Klopp – 20/1
Enzo Maresca – 25/1
Topics: Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot, Premier League, Football
Luke Davies