Liverpool could be on the verge of a major managerial change, with reports emerging that former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has reached a verbal agreement to return to Anfield as head coach starting in June 2026.
According to Spanish outlet OKDiario, cited by various football news sources including Football365 and Tribuna, Alonso – who was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this year following a brief and challenging stint – has agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Premier League club. The deal would see him take over for the 2026/27 season, marking a high-profile homecoming for the former Liverpool player who starred at the club from 2004 to 2009 and was part of their iconic 2005 Champions League-winning side.
The twist in the reported agreement lies in its conditional nature. The arrangement would reportedly be nullified – or rendered void – if current manager Arne Slot delivers a major trophy success by guiding Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League this season (2025/26). In essence, winning Europe’s premier club competition is the one clear path for Slot to secure his position and prevent Alonso’s appointment from activating.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Slot’s tenure. Liverpool have shown inconsistent form in the current campaign, sitting outside the top positions in the Premier League at times and facing pressure to qualify for next season’s Champions League spots. Earlier rumors suggested the club had made informal contact with Alonso as a contingency plan, particularly after his availability following his Real Madrid exit. Fan sentiment has long favored Alonso due to his deep connection to the club and his proven success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered an unbeaten Bundesliga title.
However, these reports remain in the realm of speculation. No official statements have come from Liverpool, Alonso, or Slot to confirm any agreement. Managerial rumors in football often evolve rapidly, with “verbal agreements” subject to change based on results, negotiations, or shifting priorities. Reliable transfer insiders have not yet corroborated the specifics of this conditional clause.
For Slot, the stakes could not be higher. A Champions League triumph would represent a remarkable achievement and likely stabilize his future at Anfield. Failure to mount a deep run – or secure strong domestic performance – could intensify calls for change, especially with a club legend like Alonso waiting in the wings.
As the 2025/26 season progresses toward its decisive stages, Liverpool’s European campaign will be closely watched. A title win could rewrite the narrative; otherwise, the whispers of Alonso’s return may grow louder. Football fans will be keeping a keen eye on developments at Anfield in the coming months.
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