‘It’s over’ – Slot leaving Liverpool with ‘immediate effect’ as Romano names ‘clear favourite’ replacement | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that head coach Arne Slot is leaving Liverpool with ‘immediate effect’ following an end-of-season review.

Slot has been under pressure for most of the 2025/26 campaign after Liverpool’s form declined since winning their 20th Premier League title last season.

The Dutchman came under immense scrutiny over his poor style of play and dire results as the Reds were made to settle for Champions League qualification in a trophyless season.

The clamour for Slot to be sacked has grown in recent months, and the club have performed a U-turn on his future after most notable outlets reported that they would stick with him heading into next season.

Now, Romano is reporting that Slot is gone from Liverpool, while departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is expected to be his replacement.

Romano revealed on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: ARNE SLOT AND LIVERPOOL TO PART WAYS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

‘It’s over between the Dutch manager and Liverpool after end of the season review.

‘Andoni Iraola, clear favourite to take over as next #LFC head coach.’

Shortly after, Liverpool confirmed Slot’s departure in a joint statement on their website.

The joint-statement read: “That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.

“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. 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.

“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.

“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.

“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”