Iraola emerges as Liverpool's leading candidate to replace Arne Slot

Andoni Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s leading candidate to take over as head coach this summer, following the confirmation of Arne Slot’s exit from Anfield after two years in charge.

Multiple credible sources are aligned on Iraola’s position at the top of the club’s shortlist. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs describes the Basque coach as the leading contender, Matteo Moretto reports that Liverpool are now actively in pursuit, and Santi Aouna states that Iraola heads their shortlist. Should Liverpool’s terms suit him, the job is expected to be his.

Iraola, 42, left Bournemouth earlier this month after a tenure that brought the south-coast club their first European qualification. Before that, he guided Rayo Vallecano to promotion, building a reputation across Europe for developing cohesive, high-intensity sides on modest budgets. That track record has left him with considerable leverage in the managerial market this summer.

His name had previously circulated at Athletic Club, the Bilbao side where he spent the bulk of his playing career, after Ernesto Valverde announced his departure from San Mamés in March. However, Athletic had already lined up Edin Terzic as Valverde’s successor by that point.

Liverpool are not the only club to have registered an interest. Crystal Palace have been the side most consistently linked with Iraola as they seek a replacement for Oliver Glasner, and the project is said to meet several of his criteria. AC Milan opened talks with him following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri, though those conversations are reported to have stalled. Chelsea also held an early interest after parting ways with Liam Rosenior, but discussions did not advance and the club subsequently appointed Xabi Alonso.

Iraola has historically been selective about the projects he commits to, but Liverpool’s scale and ambition appear likely to make Anfield his preferred destination if an agreement can be reached.