Andoni Iraola is the favourite to replace Arne Slot at Anfield but Liverpool have a battle on their hands
Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool and Andoni Iraola is the favourite to take over at Anfield.
Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool and Andoni Iraola is the favourite to take over at Anfield.(Image: PA Wire)
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Arne Slot will reportedly earn around £6.9m in compensation after being sacked by Liverpool earlier today. The outgoing head coach is understood to have been left shocked by the club's decision, having made public comments about the upcoming transfer window and his plans this summer.
Dutch outlet Telegraaf claims Slot will take home €8m in compensation, which equates to roughly £6.9m. Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Slot at Anfield, but the Reds will face competition for his signature.
AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen have all held talks with the former Cherries boss, though Iraola is reportedly holding out for the Liverpool job. The timing of his availability appears telling, with suggestions it may have played a part in the club's decision to part company with the Dutchman.
Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), described it as a "difficult decision", taken following a thorough review at the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign.
Slot won the Premier League title in his first season at the helm but struggled to replicate those heights last term, despite the club splashing nearly £450million on new signings.
Liverpool only scraped into the Champions League places on the final day of the season, and supporters began to lose patience with Slot in spite of his remarkable maiden year.
Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool after a disappointing campaign.
Arne Slot has been sacked by Liverpool after a disappointing campaign.(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire )
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The Dutchman publicly stated he was planning ahead for next season, outlining transfer targets and discussing pre-season arrangements with the club.
Ultimately, the call to sack Slot was taken by Michael Edwards, FSG's chief executive, and Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director.
Hughes served as technical director at Bournemouth when they brought Iraola in and knows the 43-year-old extremely well. Iraola is widely regarded for his attacking, attractive brand of football.
Slot broke his silence with a brief statement following his departure from Anfield and, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Slot said: "It's been an amazing ride together with Liverpool, I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season."
The Dutch head coach has since been linked with the vacant managerial position at AC Milan.