Liverpool reach decision to KEEP Arne Slot as Xabi Alonso eyes alternative Premier League destination: report

Xabi Alonso looking pensive during a Bayer Leverkusen game.

Arne Slot is set to continue his tenure at Anfield heading into the 2025/26 season, but Xabi Alonso is still eyeing up a move to the Premier League.

Liverpool have sunk to disappointing depths under Slot this season, falling from the heights of their 2024/25 Premier League title win to the verge of a record-breaking number of defeats in a single season this century.

Despite the campaign’s confirmed trophyless conclusion, the Reds are set to continue their footballing journey with Arne Slot next season in spite of a series of links to Xabi Alonso - who still wants to manage in the Premier League at an alternative destination.

Xabi Alonso’s future lies with another Premier League club

On Merseyside, Liverpool’s board have seemingly chosen to persist with Arne Slot, believing the Dutchman deserves the chance to steady the club’s now off-course ship.

That leaves Xabi Alonso – now out of options with Liverpool, which seemed to be the Spaniard’s most likely destination – with alternative Premier League clubs in mind.

Arne Slot will continue with Liverpool, despite a tragic season that could yet see him break the record for the club's most defeats in a single season this century. (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea has now emerged as Alonso’s potential next club, given the context currently surrounding the West London club’s situation.

Liam Rosenior’s future as Chelsea manager is in the air, reeling from five consecutive Premier League losses and seven defeats in their last eight matches.

His side’s most recent loss came against Brighton - a comprehensive 3-0 defeat that saw Chelsea create a measly 0.37xG to Brighton’s 2.14.

Xabi Alonso, known for his ability to work with young, developing players and his knowledge of top-level domestic and European football, fits a profile that the West London club are in dire need of.

The Spaniard notably won the Bundesliga unbeaten with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, and the DFB Pokal, and managed Real Madrid to second position in the La Liga table at the time of his departure.

Liam Rosenior has lost seven of his last eight games as Chelsea manager, and his departure could be imminent. (Image credit: Getty Images)

While Liverpool appear focused on stabilising their current situation without managerial change, Liam Rosenior has not built up the same goodwill with Chelsea as the Dutchman has on Merseyside.

Should Rosenior’s position be deemed untenable – with Chelsea expert Simon Phillips reporting that the Englishman is set to be sacked imminently – then Xabi Alonso could be the ideal candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea return to FA Cup action this weekend as they take on Leeds in the competition’s semi-final stages.