Alonso Demands Five Liverpool Exits as Club Plots Slot Departure

Liverpool's managerial crisis has deepened following their latest stumble, with the club having already made the decision to part ways with Arne Slot at season's end, according to reports.

Saturday's capitulation at Bournemouth—where the Reds surrendered a two-goal advantage to eventually lose 3-2 deep into stoppage time—has left them winless across five Premier League outings. The slip-up allowed Manchester United to vault above them into fourth place, piling further scrutiny on Slot's position despite his title triumph just twelve months prior.

With the writing on the wall, Liverpool's hierarchy has begun preparing for life beyond the Dutchman. Xabi Alonso, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss and ex-Liverpool midfielder, has emerged as the leading candidate to take the reins come summer. Should he arrive, however, the Spaniard comes with a shopping list that promises considerable upheaval.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Alonso has requested the departure of five players he views as surplus to requirements. Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch head the list of those deemed expendable, with Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister also facing the chop. Most significantly, Mohamed Salah—the club's talisman—is also being considered for departure.

The mass clear-out is designed to raise funds and trim the wage bill, enabling Liverpool to pursue Alonso's preferred targets. Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola are understood to be high on his wish list, though their acquisitions hinge on the sale of the aforementioned five.

Alonso has indicated he would welcome a return to Anfield, according to Sky Sports reporter Alan Irwin, who revealed that sources close to the former midfielder suggest he would be "more than happy" to take the job. "Xabi Alonso's name is constantly mentioned in these parts," Irwin stated, "and sources close to him indicate he would be more than happy with a return to the club."

The club faces a delicate balancing act. Journalist David Lynch, who covers Liverpool extensively, believes the hierarchy would prefer to wait until summer to make any managerial change, avoiding the complications of appointing an interim figure mid-campaign. However, Lynch acknowledged that a prolonged losing streak could force their hand.

"They clearly, clearly want to get to the end of the season with Slot if they can," Lynch told Anfield Index. "They don't want to make a mid-season managerial change because who do you get as the interim? It would clearly be better to make the managerial change in the summer."

He added: "I think his future's already set, to be honest. It's been so pronounced, the decline, for such a long time. It is only a case of getting to the summer, albeit if he starts to lose six, seven on the bounce again, he will get bulleted because they'll feel forced to go for an interim."

The club's immediate alternative should they move quickly is Steven Gerrard, reportedly lined up on a short-term arrangement if circumstances demand a premature change. Yet Lynch believes such a move would be counterproductive, particularly given Alonso's reluctance to walk into a crisis mid-season.

For now, Liverpool must navigate the remainder of the campaign with Slot in situ, whilst simultaneously preparing for a potential overhaul that could reshape the squad entirely.