Liverpool turn to Andoni Iraola as leading candidate after sacking Arne Slot

Liverpool have dismissed Arne Slot after an end-of-season review and are considering former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as a potential successor. The club confirmed the decision in a statement, citing the need for change despite acknowledging Slot’s “significant” and “successful” contribution during his time at Anfield.

Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, saw the club’s form deteriorate sharply in the campaign that followed. They finished fifth in the league and lost 19 games across all competitions — a record that prompted the board to act despite having publicly backed the Dutchman through the season.

Iraola is one of several candidates in the frame, but he carries a notable advantage: Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes was the man who appointed him at Bournemouth, having sacked Gary O’Neil to bring the Spaniard in. That existing relationship gives Iraola a meaningful connection to the club’s football operations leadership.

The 42-year-old left Bournemouth at the end of last season, opting not to sign a new contract after taking the club to their highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth and securing European football for the first time in their history. He went unbeaten in his final 18 league matches in charge.

Iraola’s availability has drawn interest from elsewhere. Crystal Palace are looking for a manager to replace Oliver Glasner, and Bayer Leverkusen have also registered interest following their parting with Kasper Hjulmund. Liverpool will need to move with purpose if they want to secure him ahead of those rivals.

In their statement on Slot’s departure, Liverpool wrote: “The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and — most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves — successful. At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.”