Behind the Curtain: Salah Sparks Alonso’s Golden Opportunity at Liverpool
25 March 2026
Behind the Scenes at Anfield
Quiet, decisive movements are unfolding in Liverpool's corridors, the air thick with tension as a new chapter in the club's storied history appears ready to begin away from the public gaze.
The club's tenth Premier League defeat of the season intensifies the scrutiny over Arne Slot's future inside Anfield's walls.
After the 1-2 loss to Brighton, a swift dismissal might have seemed unlikely only because rivals for a Champions League spot were faltering.
The German newspaper Bild later suggested Salah could leave by summer, noting that a preferred replacement had already been earmarked.
According to Bild, Xabi Alonso, 44, the former Real Madrid boss who steered Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title, would be the chosen successor—but he does not want to take over mid-season.
Liverpool is undergoing a broad restructuring, with Salah (33) expected to depart by season's end despite a contract through 2027; his exit would clear space for Alonso to begin anew.
Last Tuesday, Salah announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the current season, despite his contract running into next year, ending a nine-year spell with the club.
Liverpool has kept lines open with Alonso, with ongoing discussions between Michael Edwards and Alonso throughout Slot's successful 2024/25 campaign; Alonso’s agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, recently said formal offers had arrived.
Bild concludes that Alonso could join Liverpool in the summer; Edwards had hoped to sign him in spring 2024, but the Spaniard declined at the time while still with Bayer Leverkusen, chasing a first Bundesliga title, which he achieved as unbeaten champions.
Read also: Links to related pieces about Salah, Alonso’s possibilities, and other potential destinations are highlighted in this note.
