Andoni Iraola to Liverpool: Everything we know so far | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to land the Liverpool job after the club sacked Arne Slot as head coach last week. 

The Dutchman was removed from his post just one year after guiding the Reds to the Premier League title, but his position became untenable by the end of this season.

The team were booed off more than once in the final few months of the campaign as fans voiced their displeasure with the uninspiring style of play.

Liverpool ended the season fifth in the Premier League, qualifying them for the UEFA Champions League, but finished 15 points off leaders Arsenal and without a trophy.

They were 24 points worse off than the previous, the biggest drop by any ever-present Premier League club across those two campaigns.

Slot had to take the fall for such a rapid decline after the club spent a record £442 million on new signings last summer, and Iraola looks set to replace him. Here’s what we know so far about his possible arrival.

Liverpool set for Iraola talks

Both the Guardian and The Times report that Liverpool will hold “formal talks” with Iraola about becoming head coach this week.

The club wants to move quickly to find a replacement for Slot and speak with their “preferred candidates at the earliest opportunity”. Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage, managers of Stuttgart and Lyon respectively, are also likely to be sounded out, though Iraola is the clear favourite for the vacancy.

Liverpool want to have their new manager in place by the start of the World Cup so they can prepare for next season as soon as possible.

The need to act fast is obvious, as Iraola is in high demand right now. AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have all made approaches to the former Bournemouth boss.

Read – Liverpool star confirms exit with farewell letter

Why Liverpool want Iraola

Iraola did a hugely impressive job during his three-year stint with Bournemouth. The Basque native guided the club to their highest-ever Premier League finish and European football for the first time ever.

There is also a Bournemouth connection at Liverpool that cannot be ignored. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who is leading the search for their next manager, is former Cherries player and served as technical director following his retirement as a professional footballer. He was the one who brought Iraola to England three years ago.

Iraola is also available, with his contract expiring at the end of this month. Hoeness and Sage are currently employed, meaning Stuttgart or Lyon would be due compensation if Liverpool were to hire either coach.

Read – The three players to score in a Champions League final for different teams

See Also – Our Champions League Team of the Season for 2025/26

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok