Iraola agrees two-year Liverpool deal as Slot's successor takes shape

Andoni Iraola is on the verge of being appointed Liverpool manager, with the club reaching an agreement with the 43-year-old following the sacking of Arne Slot. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who brought Iraola to Bournemouth three years ago, has led the negotiations.

Iraola will sign a two-year contract at Anfield — the same length he insisted upon at Bournemouth, where he initially joined in 2023 before extending for a further year in May 2024. That stands in deliberate contrast to the five- or six-year deals commonly handed to managers at elite clubs.

The Spaniard has been candid about his reasoning. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent earlier this season, Iraola said: “The only time I have signed for two years is here at Bournemouth. I don’t want to continue at a club just because I have a contract. I want to continue because both sides are happy and they want to continue together.”

He argued that contract length offers managers little real security. “I could have whatever contract I have, but if I don’t get the results, in three or four months, I will be in danger,” he said. “So I try to focus on the short-term — do your job, get your results and then normally everything is fine.”

Iraola also made clear that financial security is not a primary motivation. “I think just signing a contract, just to have the assurance that if they sign you, you will receive the money — I wouldn’t feel really pleased with this,” he said. “You have to earn the right every season. Every year has to be like a renewal of confidence from both sides.”

Liverpool are aiming to finalise the appointment before the start of the Club World Cup, giving Iraola maximum time to shape pre-season preparations. The club’s pursuit of the former Rayo Vallecano coach reflects a desire to return to a more aggressive, high-tempo style of play — an approach that faded during Slot’s second season in charge and was cited as a factor in his dismissal.