Arne Slot was, in the grand scheme of things, a name that very few fans had heard of pre-Liverpool. The Dutchman moved to Anfield in the summer of 2024 as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement – and he etched his name in Premier League history by becoming just the fifth manager to win the title in his maiden season.
In doing so, his stubborn nature – as it needed to be – was on full show: he wasn’t afraid to pull the punches, let’s just say. And a player that is no stranger to the ex-Feyenoord head honcho’s straight-to-the-point demeanour is Arnaut Danjuma.
Recently, the winger – who is set to return to Villarreal after a season-long loan with Girona – revealed that he once spoke to Slot about moving to the Rotterdammers. The prospective move, of course, never came to fruition and that’s because of the 46-year-old’s scathing assessment of the ex-Tottenham Hotspur ace.
danjuma villarreal
Danjuma’s Spiky Talks with Now-Liverpool Boss Slot
‘I had the luxury of going to Arne Slot’s house’
Talks happened, Danjuma admitted, though he continued to admit why a move didn’t materialise. He’s a six-time Netherlands international and stints at Everton and Tottenham in the Premier League has proven that he’s capable of playing at a high level. Nigeria-born Danjuma has sporadically been linked with a transfer to the title-winning Reds over the years – but, as mentioned, it was during Slot’s time in his homeland when the two almost linked up.
“At that time, I had a really good conversation with Arne Slot,” Danjuma said on Kick’t Met from Ziggo Sport, per Voetbal Primeur, before adding, “That was one of the many times that there was contact. It’s just to indicate that it’s very contextual.”
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Recalling the times he met with the current Liverpool custodian at his house, he admitted that Slot – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – spoke to him for an hour. Incredibly, in a scathing assessment of his ability, he detailed ‘how bad’ he was.
“At that time, I had the luxury of going to Arne Slot’s house and listening to him for an hour how bad I was. I’ll never forget it. I actually thought that was very strong. It convinced me of how good he is as a trainer. He opened his laptop and showed his plans and project.”
“Everyone knew that Slot would be a good trainer. He showed me my own game. What I did well, but then also what I did badly, what I could improve. That also appealed to me immediately,” the ex-Everton wideman said. “His way of doing things, his way of acting and his way of talking, were all things that made me think: this is someone I could play well under. In the end I didn’t do it.”
“At the time, Champions League football was also connected to it," he said, while referencing the fact that Villarreal had European top table action at the time before adding, "So for it’s very contextual. I wouldn’t quickly return to the Netherlands.”
Danjuma, 28, concluded that he remains ambitious. “I still play in La Liga, which is a great competition, and I’m still ambitious. I would never rule anything out, but because I’m naturally very ambitious, it would have to be Champions League football.”
Danjuma and Slot’s Respective Careers
The winger has never received a red card in his senior football career
Danjuma had to face the music when going face-to-face with Slot – but despite being snubbed by one of the highest-paid managers in world football, the journeyman has enjoyed a decent career. First, he came through the PSV Eindhoven academy.
The biggest proof of his talent is that he has been linked to the Reds a number of times over his career and, although a big-money move never came to the fore, he has played for the likes of Bournemouth, Club Brugge and Villarreal.
Arnaut Danjuma - Club Career Statistics
Club
Villarreal
Bournemouth
NEC Nijmegen
Girona
Club Brugge
Everton
Tottenham Hotspur
As things stand, he’s set to return to The Yellow Submarine after a stint with Girona – but whether he’s able to worm his way back into the starting line-up after notching seven goal contributions last season remains to be seen. Elsewhere, Slot has thrived under the spotlight of the post-Klopp era.
From something of an unknown entity in the Netherlands, his charisma and tactical know-how have turned Liverpool into one of the most threatening teams in the world, and they’re poised to get better, having added the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz to their ranks.
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All statistics per Transfermarkt - correct as of 21/06/2025