Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of appointing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach after reaching a verbal agreement with the Spanish manager following the departure of Arne Slot.
Iraola has emerged as the club’s preferred candidate and is expected to sign a two-year contract, with an official announcement anticipated later this week.
Liverpool move quickly to appoint successor
The Reds have wasted little time in identifying a replacement for Arne Slot, whose tenure came to an end just one year after guiding the club to the Premier League title.
Liverpool’s search has been led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked closely with Iraola during their time together at Bournemouth.
The club’s hierarchy are believed to have been impressed by the Spaniard’s work in the Premier League and view him as the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of the project at Anfield.
Iraola keen to bring trusted staff
As part of his proposed move to Merseyside, Iraola is reportedly eager to bring key members of his coaching team with him.
His Bournemouth assistants, Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, are said to be among the staff members he would like to include in his backroom setup at Liverpool.
However, Bournemouth have yet to receive any formal notification from either coach regarding a potential departure, leaving the situation unresolved for the time being.
Style of play fits Liverpool’s vision
Liverpool’s decision to pursue Iraola is understood to be heavily influenced by his football philosophy, which closely aligns with the club’s long-standing identity.
The 43-year-old has built a reputation for deploying an aggressive, high-intensity style of football that emphasizes pressing, quick transitions, and attacking intent.
His impressive work at both Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth has earned widespread praise, establishing him as one of the most highly regarded coaches in European football.
Iraola has also developed a reputation for favouring shorter-term contracts throughout his managerial career, allowing him greater flexibility while maintaining a strong focus on performance.
New era set to begin at Anfield
Should the appointment be finalised as expected, Iraola will take charge at a pivotal moment for Liverpool as the club looks to build on recent successes and remain competitive at the highest level.
His arrival would mark the beginning of a new chapter at Anfield, with supporters hopeful that his energy, tactical approach, and proven ability to develop teams can help Liverpool continue challenging for major honours both domestically and in Europe.
An official confirmation is expected in the coming days as the club prepares for pre-season and the start of a new campaign.
