Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement with former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola to become the club’s next manager following the departure of Arne Slot.
According to multiple reports, the Spaniard has agreed to take charge at Anfield after Liverpool identified him as their preferred candidate to replace Slot, who was dismissed after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign despite winning the Premier League title in his first season.
Iraola left Bournemouth at the end of the season after guiding the Cherries to a historic sixth-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.
His impressive work on the south coast attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, but Liverpool have now won the race for his signature.
Liverpool move quickly after Slot exit
Liverpool moved swiftly following Slot’s departure, with sporting director Richard Hughes leading the search for a new manager.
Hughes previously appointed Iraola at Bournemouth in 2023 and is believed to have played a key role in bringing him to Anfield.
Club officials reportedly see the 43-year-old as the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of the team’s rebuild.
The agreement is believed to be for a two-year contract, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Liverpool are keen to have their new manager in place before preparations begin for the upcoming campaign.
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Familiar faces could follow Iraola
Iraola is also expected to bring several members of his Bournemouth coaching staff with him to Merseyside.
Among those linked with a move are Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre, all of whom worked closely with the Spaniard during his successful spell at Bournemouth.
The appointment represents a significant opportunity for Iraola, who has built a strong reputation in English football over the past three years.
After impressing with Bournemouth’s aggressive pressing style and consistent improvement, he now appears set for the biggest challenge of his managerial career.
If confirmed, Iraola will become Liverpool’s latest manager as the club looks to return to competing for major honours consistently after the Klopp era.
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