Liverpool Firmly Back Slot Despite Alonso Speculation as Summer Recruitment Plans Take Shape

Arne Slot's position at Liverpool has come under considerable pressure following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, but the club's hierarchy has moved to settle the matter once and for all.

The Dutchman's tenure has been marked by tactical conservatism that has failed to excite supporters, with Liverpool battling merely for Champions League qualification rather than challenging for silverware. Speculation intensified when reports suggested Xabi Alonso might prefer a return to Anfield over a move to Chelsea, prompting fresh questions about the manager's future.

Yet according to David Ornstein, Liverpool have no intention of making a change. "Liverpool fully intend to go into next season with Arne Slot as their head coach," the journalist confirmed on NBC. Crucially, Ornstein also dismissed the Alonso narrative entirely, stating: "My information is that Xabi Alonso is not under consideration at Liverpool at all."

The club's plans for the off-season centre on reinforcing their attacking options. "I think Liverpool will want to recruit for Arne Slot this summer, in particular in the wing positions. And they think that will be crucial," Ornstein explained, adding that further transfer activity is expected across the board.

Fabrizio Romano corroborated this stance, emphasizing the significance of timing. "At the moment, the feeling at Liverpool, I can confirm that it is absolutely in the direction that they want to continue with Slot," he said. "It's May now, it's no longer February, March, or April. In May, Liverpool have not made contact with any other manager." Romano went further, guaranteeing that "Liverpool this year never made any direct approach with Alonso or with his agents," dismissing reports emanating from Germany as mere speculation.

Elsewhere, contract negotiations with defender Ibrahima Konate remain deadlocked. "The situation is still a stalemate and it's not looking particularly positive," Ornstein revealed, though he left the door ajar for a positive resolution. "Although until either side walks away, there is still hope that that could reach a positive conclusion for him to stay at Anfield."

Sporting director Richard Hughes has also attracted attention from Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal expressing interest. However, Ornstein confirmed nothing has been finalized on that front, despite the heavy speculation linking Hughes with a move to the Saudi Pro League.