Topics: Liverpool, Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot, Premier League, Football, Anfield
Several Liverpool supporters have claimed that Xabi Alonso is in the city as speculation about the future of Arne Slot continues to circulate.
Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield on Saturday (January 17) was the latest disappointment in what has been a poor season by the Premier League champions’ standards.
The draw added to Slot’s side’s 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions, which in some ways, is impressive although six have been draws.
After 22 Premier League matches this term, the 2024/25 champions sit fourth but are closer to Leeds in 16th than league leaders Arsenal, who are currently 14 points ahead of them.
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And given the fact that the Reds are out of the Carabao Cup and the race for the league title, just the FA Cup and Champions League remain as potential silverware this season.
As things stand, Slot’s job appears to be safe, but if performance doesn’t improve there may be further calls for change at Anfield as links with ex-Real Madrid head coach and Liverpool midfielder Alonso continue to do the rounds.
Alonso arrived at Los Blancos in May of 2025 after a successful three years in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, but lasted just 232 days as Real boss and departed the club just one day after the 3-2 Supercopa de España final defeat against Barcelona on January 11.
Despite things not working out in the Spanish capital, Alonso’s stock is still high given the fact that he guided Leverkusen to a domestic double in the 2023/24 campaign as the side went unbeaten in the Bundesliga while also reaching the Europa League final.
The 44-year-old’s affinity with Liverpool remains, and some fans think they spotted him in the city over the weekend.
A photograph of a bearded man, who resembled Alonso, wearing a hat and sunglasses, emerged online, which prompted some to suggest it was the former Spain midfielder.
One fan said: “Yeah, this is all I needed to see, he’s in.”
Although a second disagreed: “Even if LFC made a move (which they certainly won't at this stage), they wouldn't be doing it in Liverpool, would they?”
As a third commented: “That may well be a Xabi, but it sure as hell isn't Xabi Alonso.”
While a fourth claimed: “Lmao, that could be anyone.”
It must be noted that there is nothing to suggest that Alonso was on Merseyside over the weekend, as his wife, Nagore Aranburu, posted to Instagram with a backdrop of what appeared to be San Sebastian in Spain.
