Liverpool 'reach verbal agreement' to appoint Andoni Iraola as new manager | OneFootball

Liverpool have moved swiftly to find a successor for Arne Slot

Liverpool have reached verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola to become their new head coach.

According to The Athletic, Iraola is set to sign a two-year contract at Anfield, thus replacing Arne Slot following the Dutchman’s departure at the weekend.

Iraola guided Bournemouth to their best ever season in the Premier League, finishing sixth and qualifying to European football for the first time in their history, despite losing their star player, Antoine Semenyo, to Manchester City in January.

After agreeing to leave the Cherries at the end of the season, Iraola immediately emerged as a frontrunner to replace Slot.

Explaining the decision to part ways with Slot, Liverpool issued a statement saying a "different approach" was needed following a disappointing 2025-26 season.

"From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it,” the club said.

“This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.

“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.

“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.

“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

Andoni Iraola is set to replace Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach

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“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

“Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.