Alonso Reportedly Eyes Atletico Defender Pubill as Liverpool Speculation Swirls

The Xabi Alonso-to-Liverpool rumour mill continues to churn, with fresh reports from Spain suggesting the Basque coach has already begun plotting his squad overhaul at Anfield—despite no agreement yet being in place.

According to claims emerging from the continent, Alonso has identified Atletico Madrid centre-back Marc Pubill as his prime defensive reinforcement should he take the reins at Anfield. Liverpool, for their part, have reportedly held two separate meetings with the 22-year-old's representatives as they consider a move for the Spanish defender.

The timing of such speculation will only intensify the pressure on Arne Slot, whose campaign has descended into something of a nightmare. Fifth place and 21 points adrift of leaders Arsenal tells its own story—a far cry from the ten-point cushion they held over the Gunners last season. The Reds' most recent showing at Anfield, a 1-1 stalemate against Tottenham, drew jeers from their own supporters, a telling indicator of the frustration boiling over.

There remains a glimmer of hope in cup competitions, with the FA Cup and Champions League still offering paths to silverware, though a top-four finish looks increasingly uncertain.

Alonso's availability has undoubtedly sharpened minds at Liverpool. The former club favourite would represent a natural succession plan, particularly given the unpredictable nature of managerial merry-go-rounds. Insiders suggest that if Alonso does eventually slip away to another club, Liverpool may find themselves unable to secure him later.

Daily Mail correspondent Lewis Steele noted that Alonso remains "attainable" for the Reds this summer, though emphasised there is currently no done deal between the Spanish coach and the club. Steele also flagged Manchester City's impending managerial vacancy as a complicating factor in the race for Alonso's services.

"There is a feeling within the industry that Alonso is attainable this summer but the sands might shift if clubs do not act now," Steele wrote. "Manchester City also need a new manager in the near future, whether Pep Guardiola sees out his final contracted year or not."

Steele added that Slot's biggest headache this term has been precisely this scenario—watching an elite replacement become available at the worst possible moment. "One of Slot's biggest problems this season—and there have been many—is that Alonso became available," he noted.

However, not everyone believes change is imminent at Anfield. The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Liverpool remain committed to Slot, with no intention of making a managerial switch in the near term.

"All our information, despite reports to the contrary, is that Liverpool are sticking with Arne Slot, there's no thought to changing coach," Ornstein stated on The Athletic FC podcast. "They are planning with him and their priority, their focus, is to give him the profile of squad to succeed."

Ornstein acknowledged the season has fallen short by Liverpool's standards but pointed to extenuating circumstances both on and off the pitch. He also highlighted that Slot's credentials—he won the league title last season—remain the calibre the club seeks in their manager.

"So he will be a massive part of their recruitment decision-making too," Ornstein concluded.