Xabi Alonso will only accept an offer from Liverpool to replace Arne Slot if he gets three signings, according to reports in Spain.
Slot is under serious pressure at Anfield after a draw at home to relegation-threatened Tottenham saw Liverpoolbooed off the pitch.
The Dutchman is yet to sign a new contract on Merseyside despite guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge and will have less than 12 months on his deal when the new season kicks off.
To make matters worse for Slot, a seemingly obvious candidate to replace him is ready and available in Xabi Alonsowho hasn’t returned to management since cutting short his spell at Real Madrid.
Alonso was a target for Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp but the former midfielder was destined for the Bernabeu after leaving Bayer Leverkusen.
Reports in Spain suggest Liverpool’s interest in Alonso is not over and see the former Bayern Munich man as the perfect man to lead them forward after Slot.
However, Alonso will need to be fully convinced of the sporting project at Anfield to accept the move and will reportedly demand three signings if is to take over, according to El Nacional.
Defence is reportedly a major area of concern for Alonso with Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new deal and Virgil van Dijk approaching the end of his career. Liverpool have already secured the signing of French youngster Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes but Alonso has identified Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni as the ideal long-term replacement for Liverpool skipper Van Dijk.
Midfield is also in need of improvement if the report is to be believed with Alexis Mac Allister struggling to reach the heights of last season. Liverpool rewarded Ryan Gravenberch with a new long-term contract and Alonso reportedly sees Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as the perfect midfield partner for the Dutch international.
Alessandro Bastoni, Adam Wharton and Bradley Barcola (Getty)
Alessandro Bastoni, Adam Wharton and Bradley Barcola (Getty)
The final player Alonso is believed to be keen on signing is Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola. Mohamed Salah’s ability has declined this season and with Cody Gakpo struggling to impress following the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, Liverpool’s attack has looked flat all season bar Hugo Ekitike.
If all three signings are delivered by the Anfield hierarchy, Alonso is willing to step into the dugout as the new Liverpool boss.
After last summer’s outlay on club record signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, it’s difficult to envisage another window of lavish spending under Fenway Sports Group – especially if Liverpool fail to secure Champions League football in the final few weeks of the season.
It remains to be seen whether FSG will stick by Slot or twist with a new manager, potentially Alonso
