Liverpool move closer to appointing Andoni Iraola as Arne Slot's successor

LONDON: Liverpool are nearing the appointment of former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as the replacement for Arne Slot, according to reports published on Tuesday.

The Spaniard has emerged as the club's leading choice after Slot was dismissed on Saturday following a difficult second season in charge. Reports said Liverpool have reached a deal in principle to bring the 43-year-old to Anfield after his departure from Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Sporting director Richard Hughes, who played a major role in appointing Iraola during his time at Bournemouth, is again leading the process to bring him in. Liverpool are said to want the deal completed before the start of the World Cup next week so the coach has extra time to settle in ahead of pre-season.

Slot was removed after Liverpool ended the Premier League campaign in fifth place, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. He had guided the club to the league title in his first season, but the next campaign deteriorated sharply. The death of forward Diogo Jota last year was reported to have had a major effect on the club, while a £450 million ($606 million) outlay on new players did not deliver the expected results.

Reports also said Slot's relationship with Mohamed Salah worsened during the season, and supporters turned against the former Feyenoord manager as performances and results declined. Liverpool's move for Iraola is being linked to the club's intention to return to a more aggressive and attack-minded approach associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp.

Iraola received wide praise after guiding Bournemouth to sixth place this season and securing the club's first-ever qualification for European competition through the Europa League. Since arriving from Raya Vallecano in 2023, he oversaw steady progress as Bournemouth finished 12th, ninth and then sixth.

Before joining Bournemouth, Iraola also managed Mirandes and AEK Larnaca. He was credited for his tactical work and for helping develop younger players including Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.

Reports added that Iraola wants Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick to join him at Liverpool. Elphick, described as a boyhood Liverpool supporter, has also reportedly turned down an offer to become manager of second-tier Bristol City.