Liverpool rejection in Xabi Alonso pursuit revealed as parties maintain 'close contact': report

Liverpool’s long-running courtship of Xabi Alonso has hit another stumbling block after the former Reds midfielder turned down the chance to succeed Arne Slot mid-season, German outlet BILD reports, yet the two camps remain in regular dialogue ahead of a potential summer move.

Alonso, who made 210 appearances for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, emerged as the Merseyside club’s primary managerial target in 2024 following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. The Spaniard instead remained at Bayer Leverkusen, where he had just guided the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. Liverpool ultimately appointed Slot, who delivered the Premier League title in his first campaign but now faces an uncertain future after a disappointing 2025/26 season that has left Champions League qualification in jeopardy.

According to BILD, Liverpool approached Alonso again during the autumn with a view to an immediate takeover, but the 43-year-old declined to leave his current post at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed shortly afterwards. Despite the rejection, senior Anfield officials have kept in “close contact” with Alonso’s representatives, and the German publication claims the coach is now open to a return to England provided his personal and sporting conditions are met.

The development leaves Slot needing a strong finish to the season to secure a top-four berth, widely viewed as the minimum requirement for the Dutchman to extend his reign beyond the summer. While Liverpool’s hierarchy have yet to formally open negotiations with Alonso, the growing disconnect between Slot and sections of the fanbase has intensified speculation that a change could be imminent.

Alonso’s emotional bond with supporters—cemented during five trophy-laden years at Anfield—would grant him immediate goodwill, a factor club chiefs believe could smooth any transitional turbulence. For Slot, the prospect of departure would still leave him with a league winners’ medal and a reputation that should attract interest from across Europe.

BILD concludes that concrete talks are expected once the current campaign concludes, with Liverpool weighing up whether to trigger a managerial reset in pursuit of a coach already proven at the highest level.