Xabi Alonso Reportedly Targets Atletico Madrid Defender as Speculation Mounts Over Potential Return to Liverpool

Reports suggest Xabi Alonso is preparing for a Liverpool return and has asked the club to sign Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill to lead his defensive rebuild.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 3:43 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Turbulent Title Defense for Arne Slot

Liverpool’s current Premier League campaign has been a stark departure from the success of the previous season. Currently sitting in fifth place and trailing leaders Arsenal by 21 points, the Reds have struggled to maintain the form that secured them the league title just a year ago. This dramatic slump has intensified the scrutiny on head coach Arne Slot, particularly after a string of disappointing results at Anfield, including a recent 1-1 draw against Tottenham that saw the team booed off the pitch. With the club’s Champions League qualification for next season hanging in the balance, discussions regarding the long-term future of the managerial position have moved to the forefront of the sporting discourse.

The Looming Presence of Xabi Alonso

The narrative surrounding a potential coaching change has been fueled by the availability of Xabi Alonso, a former fan favorite who is currently out of work. Reports in Spain suggest that Alonso is already "preparing for his return" to Liverpool and has begun outlining a list of essential reinforcements to overhaul the squad. Chief among these requests is 22-year-old Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill. Alonso is reportedly convinced that the young Spaniard possesses the physical and technical attributes required to succeed in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League. This proactive approach to recruitment suggests that Alonso is viewing the Anfield role as his next primary destination.

Scouting and Recruitment Efforts for Marc Pubill

The interest in Marc Pubill appears to have moved beyond mere speculation, with reports indicating that Liverpool representatives have already met with the defender’s agent on multiple occasions. At just 22 years old, Pubill represents the profile of player Liverpool’s recruitment team traditionally favors: young, high-potential talent with room for tactical development. Alonso’s specific request for a centre-back highlights a perceived need for greater defensive stability, an area that has been a significant point of failure during Slot’s difficult run this term. The acceleration of these efforts indicates that the club may be hedging its bets in case a managerial transition becomes unavoidable.