20 Apr 2026 14:13:15
Dunc over at Koptalk is citing an email from one of his ITK's in suggesting that talks with Alonso have screeched to a halt due to Edwards' over-involvement in transfers. Whatever you think of the source, this makes sense to me. I did suggest a few months back that Edwards may need to leave in order for us to bring in Alonso. I think others on here have shared that opinion. It also aligns with the big shift we've seen recently from Alonso being nailed on to Slot being backed for next season.
I did say that if the club is truly backing Slot for '26 that I felt it meant Alonso had turned us down. Not claiming to be ITK by any means, but I felt the info was relative for those who may not have heard. Even if it's true, there's still time to put things right. Hopefully the club sees that Alonso brings more to the table than Edwards.
20 Apr 2026 14:52:27
I thought Alonso was Hogans No1 choice, so I'd say he could over rule Edwards on that. But who knows. We just need Slot gone. I couldn't take another season of it.
20 Apr 2026 14:58:58
Whilst I don't accept Dunk has any ITKs, I agree it's always been an unwise assumption that Alonso is desperate to join LFC.
I've always been of the view that LFC loves Alonso more than Alonso loves LFC.
20 Apr 2026 15:06:31
I would say any potential incoming coach will be asking questions about Edwards and Hughes' futures, given the uncertainty we have been hearing. Whether it is Alonso or any other coach, they will want confidence and clarity in the project.
And, if you are Alonso, you would want some confidence that you had reasonable influence over the profile of signings made - especially since the squad needs some serious rebalancing. You don't want the "I asked for a sofa and they bought me a lamp" situation happening.
I may be deluded, but I am sticking by the fact that Slot has not been offered a new deal, was not backed in the January window, and was blocked from bringing the popular and available Heitinga back.
I reckon the "we back Slot" propaganda will continue until we have mathematically secured CL qualification. Once secured, we might get an announcement that Slot will not be continuing with the club next season for family reasons.
I might also be totally wrong. :)
20 Apr 2026 15:20:58
Isn't it Hughes that's involved with transfers, no longer Edwards? All three need to go. Hughes, Edwards and Slot.
20 Apr 2026 15:30:53
Deffo. Alonso had his chance, Madrid calling or not. Is he even proven? Debatable.
20 Apr 2026 15:59:11
What's the set up nowadays? Does Slot/coach get any say in transfers, or are we more like Chelsea now, where coach gets what he's given?
20 Apr 2026 16:06:24
I always believed that transfers were put forward, and the majority of the transfer team won, whether it was for or against. I believe that was how it ran during Klopp's first contract.
20 Apr 2026 16:06:44
I wonder how many times the will he, won't he conversation will arrive this week.
20 Apr 2026 16:07:57
Mmmmm, if this remotely has legs, then FSG have a decision to make, don't they.
Manager or coach...
Whatever happens, just hope it doesn't involve Slot.
All 3 need to go, but will be happy with just Slot to start off with, and the other 2 at end of contracts.
20 Apr 2026 16:13:24
My bad, Kloppiche, I meant to mention both Hughes and Edwards. Whilst Hughes is very much in charge of the day to day handling of contract negotiations and transfers, etc., Edwards is his old pal, boss and the reason he has his job, so I imagine Hughes operates very much as an Edwards puppet.
20 Apr 2026 17:02:03
Have the transfers been that bad?
20 Apr 2026 17:06:09
Probably right, @Chewy.
20 Apr 2026 17:11:36
WestYorkshirered, obviously we get mixed info from multiple sources, but it's easy enough to read between the lines; Slot was adamant he's heavily involved in transfers in a recent presser, but earlier in the season he also hinted that he didn't get the players he wanted and that the squad lacks depth. Given Slot's transfer history at Feyenoord, I very much doubt it was his decision to go out and buy a bunch of big names. It's been widely reported that Edwards has previously pulled rank and had fallen out with Klopp over potential targets, which may have even contributed to Edwards' decision to leave the club back in '22.
Upon his return to the club, it was rumoured that one of his conditions for taking on the role was that he had final say on transfers, and given his new position, I believe this is accurate. The fact that Arne was signed as a Head Coach instead of a Manager also supports that idea.
20 Apr 2026 20:03:21
Chewy, if that's the case then your post sounds completely plausible. Dream scenario, if Alonso did become coach, would be to try get Simon Rolfes in when Edwards goes. I imagine there's zero chance of that happening.
20 Apr 2026 21:47:39
WestYorkshire, it does seem to fit the narrative alright, but only time will tell. Rolfes would be the ideal man if we're bringing in Alonso, but you'd be right there. He's essentially part of the furniture at Leverkusen. I can't see him going anywhere. Admittedly, I don't follow up on execs unless they're linked with us, so I'm not even sure who else suitable is actually available.
Tbh, if I had it my way, I'd sack Edwards tonight, kick his duties up to Ward, in a limited capacity, literally just to get the Alonso deal over the line, and put Hughes on gardener leave until suitable replacements can be found.
20 Apr 2026 22:05:58
I am same, Chewy, I only know execs who have been mentioned here. Only heard of Rolfes when Leverkusen won the league, as he was getting a lot of praise. When I googled him and had a read, it was hard not to be impressed.
I would like to think Hughes's and Edwards will be off this summer, but got a feeling they will end up staying another year.