Liverpool’s Secret Strategy: What Happens When Xabi Alonso Isn’t at the Helm?

In the blink of an eye, Liverpool’s fairy tale under Arne Slot—once gleaming bright like a freshly minted trophy—has taken a sharp, uneasy turn. Just months after basking in Premier League glory, the Dutch maestro finds himself navigating turbulent waters, burdened not only by the looming reality of surrendering the 20th domestic crown but also by a very public fallout with none other than Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah. The Vitality Stadium heartbreak, sealed by a late Bournemouth strike that left the Reds reeling 3-2, pushed Slot’s men perilously out of the Champions League places, rattling nerves across Anfield. Despite heavy investment last summer, including big names like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, the squad’s spark seems dulled, and whispers of change grow louder. Enter Xabi Alonso—fresh from a surprisingly short stint at Real Madrid—and the talk of a sensational homecoming to Anfield no longer feels like idle gossip but a serious strategic pivot. As the Merseyside hierarchy quietly plot a future under Alonso’s stewardship, the question isn’t just if— but when. LEARN MORE.

While Arne Slot might have enjoyed a real fairytale during his maiden campaign at Anfield last season, the Dutch tactician has found some serious pressure on his shoulders this time around.

Already accepting that they will relinquish their 20th domestic crown in 2026, the former Feyenoord boss also had to deal with a public battle with attacking talisman and Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah.

Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Bournemouth over the weekend as they fell to a 3-2 loss at the Vitality, Slot’s side have come tumbling out of the Champions League spots.

Despite guiding Liverpool to Premier League success just a mater of months ago, sections of the Anfield have made their frustrations clear.

While Slot might have been heavily backed over the summer following the arrivals of both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, the 47-year-old has failed to get the best out of his superstar squad this season.

Watching Xabi Alonso shockingly leave Spanish giants Real Madrid earlier in the month, it is no secret that the ex-Liverpool midfielder has been heavily linked with a potential return to Anfield.

With Slot already pressed on the possibility of being replaced on Merseyside by the now-former Madrid boss, it has also been suggested that the Anfield hierarchy are already planning for life under Alonso.

Alonso ready to take the reigns at Anfield

While there might have been plenty of excitement around the Spanish capital last summer as Alonso was announced as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement at the Bernabeu, the 44-year-old largely flattered to deceive in Madrid.

Despite leading Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga success in 2024 as they remarkably dethroned Bayern Munich, Alonso failed to find his feet on his return to Spain.

Suffering Super Cup frustration against arch-rivals Barcelona on January 11th as they fell to a 3-2 loss in Saudi Arabia, the former Liverpool midfielder was removed from his position after just eight months in charge.

However, despite only leaving Los Blancos less than a month ago, it has been reported that Alonso’s focus is on completing what would be a sensational return to the red half of Merseyside.

While Alonso might be hoping for an extended break before getting a new adventure underway this summer, it has been suggested that the Spanish tactician would be willing to jump in immediately should Slot be relinquished of his duties.

Although the now-former Madrid boss might have fallen drastically short of the expectations he had when arriving at the Bernabeu last summer, his reputation doesn’t seem to have taken much of a dent.

: Xabi Alonso has received the first call from Liverpool!

— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/fpFheNWxmV

— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) January 25, 2026

Liverpool already plan their Alonso targets

While Slot might still remain firmly in the Anfield dugout having guided Liverpool to a record-breaking 20th domestic crown, TEAMtalk reported on Tuesday that the Merseyside hierarchy are already planning for life under Alonso.

Although Liverpool might have shattered a string of financial records last summer as they spent in the region of £450million, their big-money new recruits have failed to make any kind of substantial impact.

With Isak suffering a broken leg last month and still facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, former Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez has looked a shadow of the player who received such a fearsome reputation at the Vitality last season.

With French defender Ibrahima Konate now in the final six months of his current deal at Anfield, TEAMtalk are reporting that Alonso wants to ‘free up funds’ ahead of the summer.

Alongside speculation over a potential move for Tottenham ace Micky van De Ven, it has also been suggest that Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Bradley Barcola (PSG) and Crystal Palace talisman Adam Wharton are all on Alonso’s Liverpool wishlist.

[] NEW: Liverpool are developing a keen interest in Micky van de Ven.

[@Matt_Barlow_DM] pic.twitter.com/AuIDtNYpXa

— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) January 21, 2026