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Iraola faces four-way race as Crystal Palace set 24-hour deadline for Liverpool target

Andoni Iraola is Liverpool's frontrunner to replace the sacked Arne Slot, but Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen have all held talks with the former Bournemouth manager, with Palace pressing for a response by the end of the weekend.

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Iraola faces four-way race as Crystal Palace set 24-hour deadline for Liverpool target
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Andoni Iraola is navigating interest from four clubs simultaneously as Liverpool’s pursuit of the former Bournemouth manager grows more competitive, with Crystal Palace reported to have set a 24-hour deadline for his answer.

Liverpool confirmed the sacking of Arne Slot after two seasons at Anfield, with Slot departing following a fifth-place Premier League finish — a sharp decline from the title-winning campaign of the previous year. Iraola, 43, has quickly emerged as the club’s primary target, aided in part by his existing relationship with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who first brought the Basque manager to English football from Rayo Vallecano.

However, Liverpool do not have a clear run. Crystal Palace have already offered Iraola the manager’s role at Selhurst Park and are seeking a response by the end of the weekend. AC Milan — who recently parted ways with Massimiliano Allegri — and Bayer Leverkusen, who have had former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand in interim charge since releasing Erik ten Hag last summer, have also held talks with him.

Iraola left Bournemouth this summer having guided the club into European competition for the first time in their history, securing a Europa League place. He also oversaw the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League this season: the Cherries went 18 matches without defeat, their last loss coming on 3 January when they fell 3-2 to Arsenal. Before departing, Iraola met with incoming Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose to brief him on the squad and the club.

Slot, meanwhile, issued a brief statement following his dismissal. “It’s been an amazing ride together with Liverpool,” he said. “I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season.” The Dutchman has since been linked with moves to AC Milan and Ajax.

With Palace pushing for a swift decision and Milan and Leverkusen also in the picture, Liverpool’s ability to move quickly may prove decisive in landing their preferred candidate.

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