Journalist: Xabi Alonso set for Chelsea move as Liverpool stick with Arne Slot | OneFootball

Arne Slot Expected to Stay as Liverpool Miss Chance to Move for Xabi Alonso

On Media Matters for Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Lewis Steele discussed the future of Arne Slot and whether Liverpool could make a managerial change this summer.

Despite mounting frustration around results, performances and the atmosphere at Anfield, Steele believes Liverpool are preparing to stand by Slot heading into next season.

Referencing recent reports, Davis said that “Liverpool fully intend to go into next season with Arne Slot as head coach,” before asking Steele if that remained the information he was hearing.

Steele’s response was direct: “Yeah, that’s bang on.”

Xabi Alonso interest centres on Chelsea

The discussion then shifted towards former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, whose future has become one of the major talking points around European football.

Steele explained that Chelsea are the club currently pushing hardest for Alonso. “Chelsea want Alonso,” he said, adding that the London side are also considering other names including Marco Silva and Cesc Fabregas.

For Liverpool supporters hoping Alonso could arrive at Anfield, Steele’s comments were sobering. “As it stands, Liverpool are going to be sticking by Slot.”

That stance comes despite growing fan unrest after a difficult season where Liverpool’s performances have declined sharply. Steele previously described Anfield’s “fortress” feeling as “completely gone,” while also questioning whether Slot has shown enough adaptability during poor runs of form.

Photo: IMAGO

Alonso opportunity may not return

One of Steele’s key points was the timing around Alonso’s availability.

“I think there’s a belief in the industry that Alonso is available right now and he won’t be available if they don’t get him this summer,” he said.

That line will inevitably increase debate among Liverpool fans already uncertain about Slot’s long term future. Steele also noted that several highly regarded coaches may not be attainable later down the line because clubs competing in Europe are unlikely to allow departures during a season.

He added: “With a lot of these people it’s a now or never.”

Liverpool hierarchy appear committed

Even with boos around Anfield and concerns over Liverpool’s direction under Slot, Steele’s expectation remains that the club hierarchy will stay patient.

He acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing Liverpool, especially with major squad changes expected this summer, but indicated there is no sign at present that the club are preparing to move away from Slot.

“It does sound like they’re gonna stick with Arne Slot,” Steele concluded.

For Liverpool, that means a defining summer lies ahead. Slot enters it under pressure, Alonso appears increasingly linked with Chelsea, and the debate around Anfield’s future is only growing louder.