Andoni Iraola is not expected to join either AC Milan or Crystal Palace after his exit from Bournemouth, with Liverpool one of two clubs he is “interested” in.
Iraola bid farewell to Bournemouth this week having led them into Europe – and will now weigh up his options before deciding his next club.
The 43-year-old has been linked to both AC Milan and Crystal Palace, with talks taking place with the Italian outfit earlier this week.
But Sky Sports now report that those talks are “not progressing” and that Iraola is instead “interested in” a move to either Liverpool or Bayer Leverkusen.
However, it is maintained that Arne Slot is expected to stay in his position as head coach – albeit Fenway Sports Group’s stance may be tested by knowledge of Iraola’s willingness to join.
Are Liverpool still planning to keep Arne Slot?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Arne Slot Liverpool Contract Expiry: The State of Play
**Arne Slot**‘s current Liverpool contract expires on June 30, 2027. The Dutchman signed a three-year deal upon his arrival from Feyenoord in the summer of 2024.
Joined: June 2024
Today: May 2026
Expires: June 2027
Slot is currently 24 months into his 36-month contract.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce wrote on Thursday that sources in the Netherlands expect Slot to be backed by the addition of Feyenoord coach Etienne Reijnen to his staff.
Pearce does however add: “His appointment would effectively confirm that Slot is staying put, but until there is any official confirmation, a degree of uncertainty remains.”
Slot is of course yet to sign a new contract and there has been no indication of talks on the horizon as the Dutchman enters the final year of his deal this summer.
That feeds in that “degree of uncertainty” over whether Slot will remain Liverpool head coach, after a dismal campaign that sparked boos from those inside Anfield.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 24, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) and Bournemouth's manager Andoni Iraola before the FA Premier League match between Bournemouth AFC and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Nevertheless, Leverkusen appears a more likely destination for Iraola considering they are due to part ways with head coach Kasper Hjulmand.
Former Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis was reportedly identified as their No. 1 candidate for the job but Fabrizio Romano has since reported on X that the Brazilian is set to take over at AS Monaco on a deal until 2028.
Iraola spent three seasons at Bournemouth, finishing 12th, ninth and then sixth in the Premier League, the latter earning a place in the Europa League – the first time the Cherries have ever qualified for Europe.
Despite his achievement and the clear progress being made, the Spaniard has opted to move on – and it is perhaps no surprise that he is looking to take over at an elite club.