The four players Xabi Alonso wants Liverpool to sign if he takes charge
If Liverpool’s hierarchy begin to lose confidence in Arne Slot over the coming weeks or months, former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has emerged as a potential replacement. Reports suggest that, should the Spaniard take charge at Anfield, he would look to reshape the squad by bringing in four new signings.
Slot’s second season in charge took another downturn at the weekend, as the reigning Premier League champions suffered a dramatic late 3–2 defeat to Bournemouth. Liverpool currently sit sixth in the table on 36 points from 23 matches. With a title defence now seemingly out of reach, Champions League qualification has become the minimum expectation. Failure to secure a top-four finish could leave Slot under serious pressure heading into the summer.
Despite winning the 2024/25 Premier League comfortably and spending around £400 million on new players in the following transfer window, Alonso is reportedly eager to further strengthen the squad. Widely regarded as one of the most highly rated managers in world football, he has identified four key targets to elevate Liverpool’s level, according to reports from Spain.
One of those is Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven. Alonso reportedly views the Dutch defender’s pace as a huge asset and sees him as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, whose time at Anfield may be drawing to a close. While a deal would be costly, Van de Ven is seen as a smart future-proof option.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is another player on Alonso’s wishlist. Liverpool have lacked creativity and drive in midfield this season, and Wharton’s bravery in possession and ability to break lines could provide a major boost.
Liverpool’s wide options have also struggled for consistency, with neither Cody Gakpo nor Mohamed Salah hitting top form since the opening-day 4–2 win over Bournemouth. As a result, reinforcing the wings is considered a priority.
Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024 after impressing in the Premier League, is a major target. Alonso is reportedly keen to tempt the London-born winger back to England, with Olise registering an impressive 35 goal contributions (13 goals and 22 assists) in 30 appearances this season.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is also firmly on Alonso’s radar. Regarded as one of the finest young wingers in world football, the 23-year-old fits Liverpool’s profile, and reports claim initial talks have already taken place.
If Alonso were to arrive and secure at least two of his preferred signings, Liverpool would likely need to offload several players to balance the books. Five current squad members have reportedly been earmarked as possible departures, including Ibrahima Konaté.
Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have struggled to replicate their title-winning form and, with Wharton being targeted, their long-term futures are uncertain despite contracts running until 2028.
Meanwhile, potential moves for Olise and Barcola could prompt Liverpool to consider selling Gakpo and even Mohamed Salah. Although Salah remains one of the greatest players in the club’s history, cashing in on the Egyptian could significantly boost Liverpool’s financial power as they look to rediscover their cutting edge in attack.