Liverpool have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot.
The Reds moved quickly after Slot’s exit and identified the Bournemouth manager as their leading candidate to take charge at Anfield.
Discussions between the two parties have accelerated over recent days and a deal is now believed to be in place, with only the final formalities remaining before an official announcement.
Iraola has been viewed internally as the standout option to lead Liverpool into a new era.
The 43-year-old has earned widespread praise for the work he carried out during his three seasons with Bournemouth, transforming the club into one of the Premier League’s most progressive teams.
After guiding Bournemouth to 12th place in his first campaign, Iraola followed that with ninth and then sixth-place finishes, securing European football for the first time in the club’s history.
His achievements on the south coast significantly enhanced his reputation and attracted attention from several leading clubs across Europe.
Liverpool’s recruitment team were particularly impressed by the style of football he implemented at Bournemouth.
The club are understood to have wanted a manager capable of delivering a more aggressive and front-foot approach following Slot’s departure.
Iraola’s teams have become known for their relentless pressing, high intensity and ability to win possession high up the pitch.
Those qualities are viewed as a strong fit for Liverpool’s traditional identity and the direction the club want to pursue moving forward.
‘I can’t understand’: Former Man United captain urges Erik ten Hag to embrace tactical shift
Trending
‘I can’t understand’: Former Man United captain urges Erik ten Hag to embrace tactical shift
Sporting director Richard Hughes has played a key role in negotiations.
The pair already have a strong working relationship after Hughes appointed Iraola as Bournemouth manager in 2023.
That connection is believed to have helped facilitate discussions over the move.
Attention will now turn towards the composition of Iraola’s coaching staff.
Liverpool are expected to hold further discussions regarding which members of his current backroom team could join him at Anfield.
The club will then assess whether any additional appointments are required ahead of the new season.
Iraola arrives with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest coaches.
His ability to improve players, implement a clear tactical identity and consistently outperform expectations has made him one of the most sought-after managers in the game.
Liverpool supporters will now hope he can build on that success and lead the club back into contention for major honours.
After establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting coaches at Bournemouth, Iraola appears set to take the biggest step of his managerial career.