Liverpool close to hiring Slot’s replacement Iraola – Reports

Liverpool are reportedly in advanced talks with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Ira Iraola to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed on Saturday after a turbulent second season.

Ira Iraola has emerged as the club’s top target. A deal in principle has reportedly been agreed to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of the season, to Anfield.

Sporting director Richard Hughes, who was heavily involved in Ira Iraola’s hiring at Bournemouth, is again leading the recruitment effort.

The Reds are believed to want to finalize a contract with Ira Iraola before the World Cup next week, giving the 43‑year‑old a lengthy acclimatisation period before pre‑season training.

Slot was dismissed after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal. He had guided the club to the title in his first season, but the following campaign quickly deteriorated.

The death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota last year had a significant impact, and the club’s £450 million ($606 million) spending spree on new signings failed to deliver results. Slot’s relationship with star forward Mohamed Salah also soured, and fans turned against the former Feyenoord manager due to the team’s lifeless performances and poor results.

Liverpool’s interest in Ira Iraola aligns with the club’s desire to return to the aggressive, attacking style that characterised the era of former manager Jürgen Klopp.

Ira Iraola was praised for Bournemouth’s impressive sixth‑place finish this season, which secured the club’s first European qualification in the Europa League. He joined Bournemouth from Real Vallecano in 2023, after previously managing Mirandes and AEK Larnaca.

Under Ira Iraola, Bournemouth improved each year, finishing 12th, ninth and sixth. The Spaniard was lauded for his tactical acumen and for developing young players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.

Ira Iraola is said to be keen on bringing his Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick to Anfield. Elphick, a lifelong Liverpool fan, has reportedly declined an offer to become manager of second‑tier side Bristol City.

AFP

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