Iraola set to sign two-year Liverpool deal as backroom staff plans take shape

Andoni Iraola is on the verge of being confirmed as Liverpool’s new head coach after reaching a verbal agreement on a two-year contract, according to The Athletic. The 43-year-old emerged as the overwhelming favourite to replace Arne Slot shortly after the Dutchman was sacked on Saturday, and formal confirmation of his appointment is expected before the end of the week.

The contract length mirrors both of Iraola’s previous deals at Bournemouth, where he spent two seasons before departing this summer. Liverpool, who finished fifth in the Premier League this season — well below the club’s expectations — moved quickly to identify the Spaniard as their preferred candidate to restore the club’s standing in the top flight.

Iraola is keen to bring a familiar backroom team with him to Anfield. His assistant at Bournemouth, Tommy Elphick, is expected to follow him north, along with Pablo de la Torre, Shaun Cooper, and Tom Webber. The continuity of staff suggests Iraola intends to implement his methods swiftly at a club that will be competing in the Champions League next season.

The Basque coach leaves Bournemouth having guided the south-coast club to their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth place, securing Europa League football for the first time in their history. Before Bournemouth, he managed Rayo Vallecano in Spain, where he built a reputation for high-intensity, tactically disciplined football that attracted attention from clubs across Europe.

Liverpool’s search for a new manager was triggered by Slot’s dismissal after a single season in charge, during which the club failed to mount a credible title challenge. The appointment of Iraola, pending formal confirmation, would represent a significant shift in profile — from an established European-winning coach in Slot to a manager who has built his reputation through sustained overperformance with limited resources.