Liverpool warned Premier League rival could swoop in for Xabi Alonso

Apr 27, 2026 - 17:00

Liverpool have been urged to appoint Xabi Alonso this summer if they replace Arne Slot as manager, or risk missing out on him to a rival.

That is the view of former Premier League manager Alan Pardew ahead of a busy summer of managerial movements.

Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City — Alonso could be targeted by another Premier League club along with Liverpool, says Pardew

Pardew discussed the potential changes which could take place across the top flight’s dugouts ahead of next term on Sunday.

Alonso in demand

Speaking on The Final Word, the 64-year-old highlighted Alonso as the best manager that’s currently available.

He explained: “If you are going to look at a financial situation, Alonso isn’t going to cost you a transfer fee.

“Taking all of his staff would all be involved with a new contract, with a new club. There’s a real window of opportunity.

“I think they’re going to have to make a big call in the summer. Slot has had a strange season.

“He could still end up in the Champions League. So is that enough with the injuries and the problems that he’s had?

“So that’s an interesting one, but if he isn’t going to Liverpool, I think Man United should be interested.”

Alonso is currently without a club after he was sacked by Real Madrid in January.

As a player, the Spaniard spent five years with Liverpool and was part of their Champions League-winning side in 2005.

Current Reds boss Slot is under contract until the end of next season having been appointed two years ago.

Arne Slot looks on before the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second-leg football match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain — Pardew believes Liverpool have a decision to make on Slot’s future with Alonso available

Xabi Alonso, head coach of Real Madrid, enters the field during the LaLiga EA Sports football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompie — Alonso enjoyed a successful spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen before his six-month stay at the Bernabeu

Following Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace, his side are fourth with four matches remaining and with an eight-point lead over sixth place Brighton.

Meanwhile, United will be looking for a new manager in the summer, with temporary boss Michael Carrick’s deal expiring at the end of the season.

Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January following Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Managerial merry-go-round

A number of other Premier League clubs could also be appointing new managers during the off season.

Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the campaign, with Marco Rose already confirmed as his successor.

Crystal Palace will need to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, whilst Fulham could also make a change.

Andoni Iraola reacts during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth — Iraola will also be available this summer after confirming his exit from Bournemouth

Pardew added: “I think Iraola from Bournemouth, he’s number two in the list for me and the reason they’re one and two in the list, purely on their CV, their financial situation, they’re both free transfers, they’re not obligated by any contracts.

“So they would be my top two and then below that, I’ve got Glasner going to Germany. I’ve got (Marco) Silva, who’s out of contract at Fulham. I think he’ll sign a new contract there.

“I’m not so sure with the experience he had at Everton, where he went there and it didn’t quite work out. I think it might be better for him, actually, to do another year there.

“He’s had a great season at Fulham and I think Fulham could get into Europe, so let’s see how that evolves. I know Fulham would definitely want him to stay.

“They’ve offered him a contract and hopefully he’ll sign it. Then I’ve got Palace, because obviously Glasner is going to go, I’ve got Thomas Frank going in there.”