Xabi Alonso has long felt like the obvious Liverpool manager-in-waiting, but Alan Pardew now believes the club may be approaching a point of no return.
Alonso’s reputation has made him a natural fit for Anfield for some time, and the fact he could be available without a transfer fee only makes the situation more interesting.
Liverpool are currently backing Arne Slot, and that remains the right public position from FSG after the Dutchman steadied things. But Pardew’s warning is clear enough. Liverpool may not get much longer to change their minds, because Man United could be ready to move if Alonso is still there this summer.
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Alan Pardew warns Liverpool about missing out on Xabi Alonso to Man United
Alonso has been linked with Liverpool for years, and for good reason. He knows the club, he understands the scale of it, and his managerial reputation has only grown with time.
But Slot has turned things around enough in recent weeks to change the feeling around his position. Liverpool should qualify for the Champions League.
But Pardew is clearly not fully convinced that Liverpool should simply shut the door on Alonso. He says there is a United angle to consider as well.
He said on talkSPORT: “Well I think you know you’ve got to look at it, if you’re going to look at the financial situation. Alonso isn’t going to cost you a transfer fee and taking all his staff would all be involved with a new contract with a new club. There’s a real window of opportunity.
“I think they’re going to have to make a big call in the summer. Slot’s had a strange season. He could still end up uh in the Champions League. So, you know, is that enough with the injuries and the problems that he’s had? Um, that’s an interesting one. But if he isn’t going to Liverpool, I think Man United will be interested.”
Depending on how Michael Carrick finishes the season, they may yet be looking for another manager this summer. Liverpool could have a hand in that given that they travel to Old Trafford this weekend to battle for third.
It would be bad enough to miss out on a manager many have seen as a perfect future fit — watching him then walk into Old Trafford would be another level of frustration, especially if Slot has another difficult season.
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Pardew is right in saying Alonso will be on everyone’s radar. This is a very good summer to be a jobless elite coach. Chelsea need to fill a role, Manchester United could be looking seriously, and Newcastle could yet become one to watch. Even Pep Guardiola’s future at Man City isn’t certain.
Alonso will not be sitting around for long. Someone will move quickly. Right now though, Liverpool are happy to stick with Slot. In 12 months, we’ll see how smart that call really was.
- READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano pinpoints the last time Liverpool spoke to Xabi Alonso about becoming manager
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