27 Apr 2026 09:01 BST |
4 min read
Liverpool boss Arne Slot remains under huge pressure at Anfield and he has once again been tipped to depart the club following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Dutchman guided Liverpool to the Premier League title during his debut season at the club and he was rewarded with a €481.4 million summer spending spree, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni all joining the Reds last year.
However, Liverpool have suffered a disappointing campaign in the English top flight and they are currently 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal with four matches remaining.
Despite this, they are expected to secure Champions League qualification via a top-five finish in the Premier League, in part thanks to Chelsea’s recent dip in results.
But, Slot’s long-term future at Anfield remains in doubt. He has been linked with the sack on numerous occasions over the past few months and although reputable sources have confirmed that Liverpool are planning to retain faith in the Dutchman, former Premier League midfielder Craig Burley believes otherwise.
The ex-Chelsea star, who is now a pundit, discussed Slot’s future at Liverpool on ESPN following Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, and he revealed that an exit could still be on the cards.
“I don’t think they’ll run with him next year, I don’t,” Burley admitted.
“I think there are too many questions from up above about spending money again and letting him [spend it].”
Verdict: Who could Liverpool appoint if they sack Arne Slot?
A number of top managers are likely to be on the market this summer, meaning it could be an opportunistic time for Liverpool to bounce, although they will undoubtedly face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United, who are also looking to hire a new permanent boss.
Andoni Iraola will be available after confirming he will leave Bournemouth this summer, while international managers such as Julian Nagelsmann could leave their posts after the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool’s top target if Slot is sacked, however, is Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard remains an Anfield cult hero following his exploits during a five-year playing career at the club and he is attainable on a free transfer after leaving Real Madrid earlier this year.
He demonstrated his immense coaching ability by leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title without losing a game in 2023-24 and he would instantly garner the support of the Liverpool fanbase and squad.
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