Image Credits: Getty Images
Liverpool have lined up a replacement for John Heitinga, who joined Ajax as their manager last week.
Paul Joyce of the Times has revealed that the club is closing in on a deal for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Van Bronckhorst has experience working as an assistant at Feyenoord under Ronald Koeman before taking the helm as manager in May 2015.
He led Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in 18 years during the 2016-17 season, having also secured the KNVB Cup in his debut campaign.
He also succeeded Steven Gerrard at Rangers in November 2021.
Van Bronckhorst’s most recent managerial role was with Turkish giants Besiktas, whom he joined in June 2024 but was dismissed later that year.
The 50-year-old has credited Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola as his primary coaching influence, having spent five months studying the Catalan’s methods.
Van Bronckhorst holds the UEFA Pro License and arrives as a boost to Arne Slot who gets an assistant manager who has experience as a head coach at a top level.
Paul Joyce reports:
“Liverpool are close to appointing the former Netherlands international Giovanni van Bronckhorst to their backroom staff.”
“Van Bronckhorst will replace John Heitinga, who left the Premier League champions to become head coach at Ajax, and take his place in Arne Slot’s new-look think tank.”
“He will form part of the backroom team alongside Sipke Hulshoff and Aaron Briggs as Liverpool look to defend their title success next season.”
His playing career has a strong CV as well.
After beginning at Feyenoord, he moved to Rangers (1998-2001), Arsenal (2001-2004), and Barcelona (2003-2007), before returning to Feyenoord to conclude his playing days.
He started every match of Barcelona’s European Cup triumphant campaign in 2006, including the final.
His appointment at Anfield forms part of a new Dutch wave at the club that stretches across both backroom and playing staff.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.