According to exclusive reports from Football365 and transfer insider Kaveh Solhekol (via X posts and aggregated coverage on January 26, 2026), Alonso’s representatives held a “secret” meeting with Liverpool’s football operations team. In the discussions, the former Reds midfielder—currently out of management after his shock departure from Real Madrid—outlined a bold vision for the squad rebuild, requesting four high-profile summer signings potentially worth up to £400 million in total.
The specific targets Alonso is said to have demanded include:
- Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur centre-back): A dynamic, ball-playing defender to bolster the backline and fit Alonso’s high-pressing, progressive style.
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace midfielder): The young English talent seen as a long-term successor or partner for players like Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, bringing composure and passing range.
- Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain winger): A pacey, creative forward to add flair and goal threat on the flanks.
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich winger, formerly Crystal Palace): The versatile attacker whose dribbling and vision could elevate Liverpool’s attack.
These names reflect Alonso’s preference for a blend of Premier League-proven quality, youth, and tactical fit—emphasizing speed, technical ability, and intensity to implement his possession-based, high-energy system that brought success at Bayer Leverkusen.
The talks have intensified following recent setbacks for Slot, including the dramatic 3-2 loss to Bournemouth and broader inconsistencies that have dented Liverpool’s title challenge. While no immediate sacking has occurred, sources indicate the club has made “first contact” with Alonso (and his reps) to explore options for next season, with some senior players reportedly expressing doubts about the current direction. Liverpool’s hierarchy views Alonso as the ideal long-term successor—given his deep club ties (as a player under Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp), tactical acumen, and proven track record—but the ambitious demands highlight the scale of investment required to back his vision.
Fan reactions have been electric: many Reds supporters dream of Alonso’s return as manager, seeing it as a “dream scenario” to restore the intensity and style that defined the Klopp era, while others question the feasibility of such a costly overhaul amid financial fair play constraints. Pundits note the £400m figure as “ambitious” (potentially spread across fees, wages, and add-ons), but realistic for a club of Liverpool’s stature if they secure Champions League revenue and offload fringe players.
For now, discussions remain preliminary—no formal offer to Alonso has been confirmed, and Slot continues in post with the backing to steady the ship through the remainder of 2025/26. However, the momentum around Alonso’s demands signals serious contingency planning at Anfield, with the Spaniard positioning himself as a transformative figure ready to demand big changes upon arrival.
Whether this leads to a summer switch or stays as leverage remains to be seen, but the ambitious wishlist has Liverpool fans buzzing about a potential new era. 🔴 What do you think of Alonso’s targets—would they transform the squad, or is it too much too soon?
