Liverpool are set to begin formal discussions with Andoni Iraola this week about the possibility of him becoming their new head coach.
The Reds dismissed Arne Slot on Saturday, a year after he guided them to the Premier League title. The club are aiming to appoint a replacement as soon as possible, with Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth, being a primary candidate.
Iraola’s Impressive Bournemouth Season
Iraola, 43, led Bournemouth to their best-ever season, finishing sixth – just one place and three points behind Liverpool. This finish secures them a spot in next season’s Europa League.
He announced his departure from Bournemouth in April. He has also been linked with Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool’s Decision to Sack Slot
The decision to sack Slot was made by Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group chief executive, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director. They believe the club needs a more front-foot, aggressive and urgent style of football.
Hughes was technical director at Bournemouth when Iraola was appointed. He left that role in 2024 to join Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Recent Performance and Spending
Liverpool have qualified for next season’s Champions League despite finishing the Premier League season with 60 points. This is their lowest points tally since the 2015-16 campaign and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
- Liverpool spent £415m last summer on six players.
- This was the highest outlay in a window by a British club.
- They broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a fee of £125m.
They had previously bought Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz for a then-club record £116m.
Iraola’s Management Background
Iraola is a former Spain right-back who spent most of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao. He began his management career in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca.
Before joining Bournemouth in 2023, he had spells with Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano in his homeland.
Liverpool hope to have a successor to Arne Slot in place as soon as possible.