Arne Slot has been named as the “dream candidate” for the Dutch FA as they weigh up a successor for Ronald Koeman in the role of Netherlands manager.
Slot has now been out of work for a month following his dismissal as Liverpool head coach and the 47-year-old is enjoying downtime with his family.
But having already turned down an offer from Fulham, speculation is ongoing over his next job in football.
According to Dutch newspaper AD, Slot would be considered the “dream candidate” to take over as Netherlands manager following Koeman’s resignation.
Koeman left his position on Tuesday evening after his side exited the World Cup with a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the round of 32.
‘Arne Slot would be honoured to be Netherlands manager’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Reporter Mikos Gouka, who has followed Slot closely for a number of years, outlined the Dutchman’s immediate plans and how the Dutch FA (KNVB) would have a “good chance” of convincing him to take the job.
“I understand that he does not want to do anything this summer and is not joining a club,” Gouka explained.
“Admittedly, he always says that he prefers club football to international football, but I have no indications that he would never want to manage the Dutch national team.
“In fact, I understand that he would consider it an honour to become national coach.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Monday, August 21, 2017: Everton's manager Ronald Koeman before the FA Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The question, of course, is whether this is the right phase in his career. Does he feel there is enough potential in this squad, and can he compete for trophies later on?
“And what narrative is the KNVB painting, and who could he potentially bring with him?
“Still, I think they stand a good chance if they approach him.”
VI columnist Hans Kraay Jr. agreed that Slot has the credentials to be leading candidate for the Netherlands this summer.
“I would give Arne Slot a call right away,” he wrote.
“He is currently travelling around America with his family, and he has already hinted to a small circle that he feels too young for the national team job.
Arne Slot of Feyenoord get the applauds of the fans during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and PEC Zwolle at Stadion Feijenoord on May 5, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Hans van der Valk/Orange Pictures)
“But Nigel [de Jong, technical director of the KNVB] really ought to call him quickly; I am convinced Slot would feel flattered and say yes.”
Kraay did, however, claim Slot would “go all-out on the attack, against any country whatsoever,” which may jar with Liverpool fans’ experience in the season just gone.
The Netherlands are set to return to action in September when their UEFA Nations League campaign begins against Germany (Sept 24) and Serbia (Sept 27), with a new manager ideally in place by then.