Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Arne Slot after two seasons in charge, with Andoni Iraola emerging as a leading candidate to succeed him at Anfield.
Iraola recently left Bournemouth after guiding the club to Europa League qualification for the first time in their history, and has been widely linked with the vacant Liverpool position.
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However, the Reds are unlikely to have a clear run at the Spaniard. Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan are also reported to be interested in the 43-year-old, with discussions already believed to have taken place.
As a result, Liverpool may face strong competition from across Europe if they decide to pursue Iraola as Slot’s successor.
Andoni Iraola has missed the deadline set by Crystal Palace to decide whether to accept the managerial position at Selhurst Park. According to the Daily Mail, Iraola had until the weekend to inform Steve Parish and Palace of his intentions.
Oliver Glasner is set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of his contract, with Crystal Palace already assessing potential replacements.
Liverpool are now in talks with the Spaniard to appoint him as Slot’s replacement. Richard Hughes previously worked with Andoni Iraola during his time on the south coast, bringing him to Vitality Stadium three years ago.
There remains strong admiration at Liverpool for the Bournemouth boss. Iraola is seen internally as a strong fit for the club’s desired shift towards a more proactive, attack-minded style under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group.
Liverpool are keen to move quickly to appoint a successor to Arne Slot ahead of the new campaign. Bournemouth finished the season strongly under Iraola, ending on an 18-match unbeaten run and securing European qualification, with their high-intensity pressing style widely praised across the Premier League.
While Liverpool insist they are considering multiple candidates, Iraola has quickly emerged as a leading target. The shortlist is also understood to include Sebastian Hoeneß and Pierre Sage.
Arne Slot was informed of Liverpool’s decision to part company on Saturday morning, prior to the announcement becoming public at 12.30pm. His coaching staff has since started the process of formally confirming their departures from the club.