Liverpool are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Andoni Iraola as they look to move on from the Arne Slot era.
Slot was sacked on Saturday, leaving the Anfield dugout vacant, while Iraola is also a free agent following his exit from Bournemouth — where he guided the club to their first-ever European qualification. The 43-year-old is said to be keen on the role, and with Crystal Palace — who had also been monitoring him — now shifting their attention to Lens boss Pierre Sage, Liverpool appear to have a clear run at their top target.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported on Sunday that Liverpool are firmly in the driving seat, with talks now at an advanced stage. Bayer Leverkusen are said to be harbouring hopes of a late twist, but the momentum is clearly with Liverpool.
Personal terms would still need to be agreed before the appointment is confirmed, but all signs point to Iraola becoming the next Anfield manager. Should a deal be wrapped up quickly, it would give the Spaniard a full pre-season and transfer window to begin reshaping the squad ahead of competitive action returning in August.
Stepping into Anfield will bring a new level of pressure — Champions League football, heightened expectations, and the demand to compete on multiple fronts. But those are challenges Iraola would likely embrace as he looks to revive a club coming off a deeply disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
