Alonso Deal Sealed at Liverpool – Only Question Mark Is When Slot Gets the Boot

Liverpool appear to have done the business with Xabi Alonso, according to Spanish reports suggesting the ex-Real Madrid chief will take over from Arne Slot at Anfield come summer.

The Merseysiders have endured a frustrating campaign after Slot delivered the Premier League title last season. An FA Cup exit courtesy of Manchester City and a 4-0 aggregate hammering by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals have left plenty to ponder on Merseyside.

Recent form has provided a glimmer of hope, though. Two consecutive Premier League victories have put Champions League qualification within touching distance – something the board deemed essential after splashing over £400m in the transfer market during the off-season.

Speculation about managerial change has swirled throughout the campaign, and now it appears Liverpool have moved decisively. The Spanish press claims an agreement with Alonso is locked in following a one-hour meeting in Madrid. The contract details are done, the personal terms are sorted – the only remaining puzzle is orchestrating the announcement at the right moment.

As one report frames it, there's no ambiguity about where Alonso's heading, merely questions about the choreography of the handover. These arrangements involve schedule shuffling, contractual finesse, and deciding the proper context for going public. But the hard yards are finished.

McCoist Backs Slot for One More Chance

Ally McCoist reckons Slot deserves a proper opportunity to rebuild next season. Speaking on talkSPORT after the 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton, the former Rangers striker suggested the result would strengthen the manager's case.

"Yeah, I would think so. I think it was a big result for him," McCoist said. "Champions League football is absolutely vital for Liverpool, and there would have been questions if they hadn't – and they're not guaranteed yet – secured it. I still think they'll get there."

He added: "Some Liverpool fans will understandably have concerns about recent performances, but from Arne Slot's perspective, I think he'll be given the chance to regroup and come again next season."

The Manchester United Wildcard

Not everyone's convinced Alonso's Liverpool move is a done deal. Fernando Llorente, the former Tottenham striker, suggests alternative possibilities could emerge.

"Knowing Xabi, I think he'd prefer Liverpool to Manchester United," Llorente told Hajper. "But he's currently a manager without a club, and if Liverpool stick with Slot while United decide Carrick isn't the answer and make Xabi an offer, who knows?

"Football's full of surprises. We've seen plenty of coaches end up at their former rivals."