Xabi Alonso linked to potential Liverpool rebuild amid growing pressure

January 27, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s uneven winter form has pushed attention beyond individual results and toward bigger questions about the club’s direction. With the season entering a decisive phase, scrutiny around decision-making at Anfield is intensifying.

The 3–2 defeat away to Bournemouth on Saturday brought Liverpool’s 13-match unbeaten run to an end and left them sixth in the Premier League. More concerning for supporters is that the side has not won a league match since late December, a run that has inevitably placed head coach Arne Slot under increasing pressure.

Liverpool have offered no public indication that a change is imminent, but reports in both English and Spanish media suggest senior figures are assessing contingency options should results fail to improve.

Alonso repeatedly mentioned

One name that continues to surface is Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool midfielder remains highly regarded at Anfield following his playing career, and Spanish media have reported that he would be open to a return to England under the right conditions.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alonso would seek significant influence over recruitment if appointed — a stance that would represent a clear shift toward a manager-led rebuild rather than incremental squad adjustments.

That framing has helped fuel discussion not just about who might take charge, but how dramatically Liverpool’s squad could change.

Areas reportedly under review

Fichajes claims Alonso would first look to reshape Liverpool’s defensive options. Tottenham centre-back Micky Van de Ven is highlighted as a player admired for his physical profile and long-term potential, rather than as an immediate replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

In midfield, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is cited as a player who could add balance and intensity, attributes Liverpool have occasionally lacked during a demanding schedule.

The same report suggests Alonso would also explore attacking reinforcements, with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise both mentioned as targets who could modernise Liverpool’s frontline.

Outgoings part of the equation

Such changes would almost certainly require departures. Fichajes reports that Liverpool could be prepared to let Ibrahima Konaté leave when his contract expires, a move that would mark a notable shift given his previous standing at the club.

More controversially, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are also named as possible exits despite being tied down long term. Any decision to sell either player would likely be debated internally, particularly given Mac Allister’s role in recent success.

Cody Gakpo is another player referenced, while Mohamed Salah’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing speculation about whether the Egyptian forward will extend his nine-year stay. Olise is described in the report as a potential long-term successor rather than a like-for-like replacement.

All of these scenarios remain unconfirmed. Liverpool have not commented on managerial plans or prospective transfer activity, and no formal approach for Alonso has been reported.

Sources: Fichajes