Liverpool open talks with Andoni Iraola after Arne Slot’s exit, with the Bournemouth manager emerging as leading candidate for the job

Liverpool are set to open formal discussions with Andoni Iraola over the possibility of becoming the club’s new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot.

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The Premier League club parted ways with Arne Slot on Saturday, just one year after he guided Liverpool to a league title in a dramatic turnaround season.

Club officials are now moving quickly to identify a successor, with Iraola emerging as the leading candidate for the role.

The 43-year-old Spaniard impressed at AFC Bournemouth, where he guided the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League finish and secured qualification for European competition.

Bournemouth ended the season in sixth place, finishing just three points behind Liverpool in a tightly contested top-half battle.

Reports indicate that Liverpool’s hierarchy are strongly considering Iraola ahead of other candidates, including Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage.

Iraola had already confirmed earlier in the year that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, attracting interest from several European clubs including AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s decision to part ways with Slot was reportedly influenced by a desire to return to a more aggressive, high-intensity style of play.

The club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, is believed to have a prior working relationship with Iraola, a factor that could influence negotiations.

Despite qualifying for the Champions League, Liverpool endured a disappointing league campaign, finishing on 60 points, their lowest total since the 2015–16 season.

Iraola, a former Spain international, enjoyed a long playing career at Athletic Bilbao before moving into coaching.

He previously managed AEK Larnaca, Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano before taking charge of Bournemouth in 2023.

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Liverpool are expected to accelerate discussions in the coming days as preparations begin for the new season.