Iraola arrives in Liverpool to finalise two-year deal as Arne Slot's successor

Andoni Iraola touched down on Merseyside to finalise his appointment as Liverpool’s new head coach, arriving at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on a private jet from San Sebastian before being driven away in a silver people carrier.

The 43-year-old is understood to have agreed a two-year deal to succeed Arne Slot, who was surprisingly sacked on Saturday. Iraola was quickly identified as the club’s primary target, with negotiations moving swiftly given that he is out of contract following his time at Bournemouth and that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes already has a working relationship with him — having appointed Iraola at the Cherries three years ago.

Iraola guided Bournemouth to sixth place in the Premier League and a maiden European campaign before departing. His appointment at Anfield reflects the club’s stated desire to return to a more aggressive, front-foot style of play, which Liverpool are said to have lost during Slot’s second season — a decline that ultimately cost the Dutchman his job.

Iraola is understood to want to bring several members of his backroom team with him to Merseyside, including assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre. Former Liverpool players Thiago Alcantara and the recently retired James Milner have been linked with coaching roles at the club, though the final composition of the backroom staff will be Iraola’s decision to make.