If Liverpool FC decides to sack Arne Slot to appoint Xabi Alonso, it could effectively open the door for the departure of at least two regular starters in the current squad.
Preparations complete ✅@AXA | #Ad pic.twitter.com/3PJHOuubpl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 24, 2026
LFC's title defence has gone from bad to worse, and many doubt whether Slot—who managed to lift the league title in his debut season—will be able to finish the current campaign. Xabi Alonso recently left his Real Madrid job after failing to live up to expectations and is said to be a frontrunner to replace Slot. The arrival of the club legend in the new role would mean the Reds have to splash more money in the market to find players who match his style. Fortunately for Liverpool, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong—two stars who were vital to Xabi's incredible record in Germany with Leverkusen—are already at Anfield.
Xabi's system is not similar to Slot's, and securing new stars means offloadings are unavoidable. Xabi prefers a 3-4-2-1 system. Even if he is able to incorporate four defenders at a time, some players will have to make way for new arrivals who can play 'Xabi-ball' better. Ibrahima Konate could be one regular starter sold, as his work rate has not been the same this season. Konate is not among the best passers of the ball, and Xabi wants his centre-backs to hold the ball and distribute well. The Frenchman does not fit the bill, and stalled extension talks make things worse. Konate was hopeful of joining Real Madrid before Xabi's former team eventually backed out, and one should not be surprised if Liverpool decides to show him the door if Slot's departure and Alonso's arrival are sealed.
Argentina World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister could be another casualty if the Reds decide to make big recruitments. At 27, the midfielder is not past his prime, although he is not as lethal as he once was. Mac Allister was linked to Real Madrid before, but it is unclear if his dip in form has changed the scenario at the Bernabéu. Alonso wants speedy midfielders in the middle of the park, and that is not exactly how the former Brighton star operates. Even if Real are no longer interested, Mac Allister is almost certain to enrich Liverpool's coffers if they decide to sell.
Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to be the two attacking midfielders, while Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak would fight for the striker's spot. Szoboszlai is easily the most effective player in the squad right now, while Wirtz made a name for himself under Xabi. Consequently, it is unlikely that Cody Gakpo will have any hope of getting regular starts under the Spaniard.
Xabi's preference for wing-backs means the Dutchman will not get an opportunity to play on the wing either, and his average form will not help him. Gakpo is also young and could be among the first names to be sold if the team decides to raise funds.
