Andoni Iraola is now reliably reported to have agreed terms on a contract with Liverpool, with the Spaniard set to be confirmed as the Reds’ head coach.
Iraola is due to take over at Anfield imminently, after being identified as the priority candidate to replace Arne Slot.
With Slot dismissed as head coach on Saturday, Liverpool’s decision-makers moved swiftly to conduct talks with the former Bournemouth boss.
Those talks progressed swiftly and Fabrizio Romano now reports on X that a deal has been agreed in principle, with Iraola expected to be unveiled in the role of head coach rather than manager.
He will begin work after a short break following a season that saw him lead Bournemouth to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and European qualification for their first time in history.
Iraola is then set to oversee his first pre-season in charge from early July, which will see him work with a mixed squad due to many players being involved at the World Cup.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2025: AFC Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola (R) and Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 43-year-old’s previous coaching experience came with AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano, before Richard Hughes appointed him at Bournemouth.
Hughes’ switch from Bournemouth to Liverpool in 2024 saw him maintain his interest in Iraola and that admiration saw him quickly emerge as Slot’s successor.
Liverpool will embark on a pre-season tour of the United States which will include friendlies against Sunderland (July 25), Wrexham (July 30) and Leeds (August 2).
That could provide supporters with their first taste of what to expect under Iraola, though the club could also organise domestic warmup games earlier in the summer.