Liverpool top up Slot's wages to clear path for Netherlands manager role

Liverpool have reached a financial agreement with Arne Slot that paves the way for the Dutchman to become Netherlands head coach, according to De Telegraaf. Rather than simply suspending his monthly payments upon his appointment, the club have agreed to top up his international salary to match what he would have earned had he remained at Anfield — a move reported to save Liverpool millions compared to paying out his full contract.

Slot was sacked in May after one season in charge, during which he earned just under £7 million, with bonuses from Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph pushing that figure higher. Under the arrangement now in place, he will continue to receive payments from Liverpool on what are described as favourable terms, with the club bridging the gap between his Netherlands wages and his Anfield salary for the first year.

The former Feyenoord manager emerged as the Netherlands’ top candidate to succeed Ronald Koeman after the Dutch were eliminated from the World Cup at the last-32 stage by Morocco. The KNVB is keen to install a permanent head coach quickly ahead of a Nations League fixture against Germany, giving the financial talks added urgency.

The agreement draws a contrast with how such situations have played out elsewhere. Had Slot been moving to a Premier League rival, the terms would likely have been far less accommodating — a dynamic illustrated by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca’s departure to Manchester City.

Slot is set to become the second former Liverpool manager to move into international football within days. Jurgen Klopp recently agreed to take charge of Germany, replacing Julian Nagelsmann. Andoni Iraola has since been appointed at Anfield, with the 44-year-old holding his first official press conference as Liverpool head coach on Monday. Iraola addressed transfers, his tactical philosophy and his squad, and explained his preference for short-term contracts after signing a two-year deal. “Two-year deals, coaching, contracts don’t matter a lot,” he said. “I don’t want to be in a place because of a contract. I sign year to year, basic.”