“Set to depart Liverpool” – Reporter signals major Anfield exit on the horizon

 

 

Journalist Marcus Buckland has reported, citing “a reliable source,” that Arne Slot is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of this season.

The Reds’ head coach has come under mounting pressure during a disappointing campaign, with Jamie Carragher suggesting that Slot’s position could become untenable if Liverpool fail to secure Champions League football next season. Amid this growing scrutiny, Xabi Alonso is reportedly eager to return to Anfield. The Spaniard, recently dismissed by Real Madrid, has also been approached by Tottenham Hotspur, according to Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe.

On The Tottenham Way podcast, Buckland hinted that Slot’s Liverpool tenure might already be nearing its end, regardless of the team’s results between now and May. He said: “I hear from a good source that Arne Slot is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, no matter what, so Xabi Alonso will be waiting.”

If Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification for 2026/27, Slot’s future could effectively be decided for him, marking a huge disappointment for a squad that began the season as reigning Premier League champions and favorites to defend their title.

Interestingly, Buckland’s claims suggest that Slot might consider leaving even if Liverpool secure a top-four finish or perform well in Europe this season.

Our view remains that Slot should be allowed to see out the campaign and attempt to qualify for next season’s Champions League, rather than being replaced mid-season.

However, the goodwill from last year’s Premier League success is rapidly diminishing as results have faltered over the past four months. Only a consistent run of wins can ease the pressure on Slot at Anfield. Ideally, he can restore Liverpool to last year’s form, easing fears of missing out on Champions League football and quieting speculation about his future.