Liverpool head coach Arne Slot's agent Rafaela Pimenta, who also represents the likes of Erling Haaland, has opened up on the negotiations that led to the Dutchman's move to Anfield
Paul Wheelock Head of sport
09:44, 11 May 2026Updated 09:48, 11 May 2026
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot looks on before the UEFA Champions League quarter final, second-leg football match between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 14, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has just over one year left to run on his current contract(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
The representative of Arne Slot has described the deal that brought the Dutch manager from Feyenoord to Liverpool as 'one of the most impactful moments in my career'.
Rafaela Pimenta oversaw the negotiations that led to Slot's arrival at Anfield in May 2024 to succeed the outgoing Jurgen Klopp. Pimenta, whose roster of clients includes Manchester City star Erling Haaland, has been involved in numerous significant deals, initially while working alongside the late Mino Raiola. Slot is now facing calls to be fired, having being booed off after Saturday's game, which saw Liverpool struggle to draw with a poor Chelsea team at Anfield.
However, the Brazilian considers the agreement that saw Slot become the Reds' new head coach two years ago as the most rewarding. Pimenta, speaking in an exclusive interview with ESPN, said: "It was truly incredible. Imagine: I grew up in Brazil, where I followed Liverpool from a distance, in that season when you thought: wow, look at Liverpool!", reports the Liverpool Echo.
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"And suddenly you are sitting there negotiating the manager's contract. I think it was one of the most impactful moments in my career, yes."
The Reds' choice to appoint Slot proved highly successful in his first campaign at the helm as he guided the club to its 20th top-flight title.
However, his second season at the defending Premier League champions has been considerably more challenging and, while Liverpool appear likely to finish in the top five and qualify for Champions League football, Sunday's agonising 3-2 defeat at Manchester United marked their 19th loss in all competitions.
Despite FSG's backing of Slot, certain sections of the supporter base are reluctantly beginning to question whether he remains the right man to lead the side forward.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot walks back to the changing room after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool
Arne Slot faces a difficult situation surrounding his job at Liverpool, with questions over his future(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
The 47 year old has just one year left on his Liverpool contract and has recently been linked with a return to his homeland with Ajax.
In the interview, Pimenta declined to address that speculation, though she did suggest that both Liverpool and Ajax face significant changes next season.
However, an even greater shake-up could be on the horizon at Premier League rivals Manchester City, should manager Pep Guardiola opt to walk away.
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Pimenta revealed that City, who are being tipped to replace Guardiola with Enzo Mareca should the Spaniard depart, are the most challenging club she has had to deal with.
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"Because they are very serious, very organized," she said. "They are very big. They know what they are doing, have a lot of experience, they actually need nothing, they have everything. So we have no room for negotiation."
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Chelsea (12.30pm kick-off).