Alonso's Liverpool Blueprint: The XI That Could Emerge if Slot Makes Way Before 2026/27

A perfect storm appears to be brewing at Liverpool, with every sign pointing towards Arne Slot's departure and the long-awaited arrival of Xabi Alonso as Jurgen Klopp's permanent successor.

The 2025/26 campaign has been nothing short of a rude awakening for everyone connected with the club. What began as a title defence has instead become an exercise in damage limitation, with the Reds struggling to recapture last season's imperious form.

The reasons are manifold: the tragic loss of Diogo Jota continues to cast a shadow over the squad, a summer spending spree exceeding £400m has failed to deliver the goods, and numerous key figures have suffered alarming dips in form. While Slot cannot shoulder all the blame for these circumstances, his tactical approach—transforming last season's free-scoring champions into a cautious, suffocating outfit—has certainly made matters worse. The fans, typically patient with their managers, are already showing signs of restlessness. Even an uninspiring unbeaten run couldn't mask the underlying malaise before Saturday's dispiriting 3-2 reverse at Bournemouth.

Reports now suggest FSG have effectively made their decision: Slot will depart before the next campaign begins. The timing coincides neatly with Alonso's availability following his spell at Real Madrid. Despite a turbulent half-year in the Spanish capital, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss has emerged relatively unscathed and figures to have his pick of Premier League suitors—with Liverpool the obvious destination.

So what might a Merseyside revolution look like under Alonso's watch?

Given his preference for a 3-4-2-1 system at Leverkusen, coupled with the fact that some of his former charges are already on Merseyside, we can reasonably expect him to implement that formation at Anfield. Alisson Becker would remain the undisputed number one, his recent replacement Giorgi Mamardashvili notwithstanding. The Brazilian remains the club's most reliable performer despite the club's investment in a successor.

Virgil van Dijk forms the cornerstone of any new defensive structure, his commanding presence essential to a three-man backline. However, the departure of other key defenders would necessitate reinforcement. Ibrahima Konate shows little sign of committing to a new contract, Joe Gomez's injury troubles persist, and Marc Guehi appears destined for Manchester City. This opens the door for Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, valued at £60m, to slot in as the left-sided centre-back alongside Van Dijk.

The right side of the defensive trio would likely fall to Giovanni Leoni, the 19-year-old prospect expected to recover from injury by the season's start. His solitary appearance this term hinted at genuine promise, provided his fitness holds up.

Wing-backs present an intriguing proposition. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have endured mixed seasons in traditional full-back roles but would thrive in more advanced positions—precisely where Alonso would deploy them.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch continues as the holding player, though he requires a new partner. Alexis Mac Allister's dramatic loss of form puts him under serious threat, particularly with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton available for £65m to Champions League clubs. Alonso has reportedly earmarked the 20-year-old as part of another substantial squad renovation, and at that price, the opportunity seems too good to pass up, harsh though it may seem on Mac Allister after his earlier brilliance.

The attacking setup would look markedly different. Mohamed Salah's future appears increasingly unlikely to be at Anfield, particularly given his well-documented tensions with Slot and other senior figures. A move to Saudi Arabia or beyond seems inevitable. Instead, Florian Wirtz—whose £116m price tag is beginning to justify itself—and Dominik Szoboszlai, widely regarded as Liverpool's standout performer this season, would occupy the attacking midfield berths.

Up front, Alexander Isak represents the long-term solution despite a difficult debut campaign. Hugo Ekitike would likely remain on the periphery as the Englishman rebuilds momentum and confidence.