Liverpool has reportedly made a decision on its next manager, with Andoni Iraola claimed to be in position to take over from Arne Slot following the Dutchman's firing
13:52, 30 May 2026Updated 14:12, 30 May 2026
Andoni Iraola, manager of Bournemouth, during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth at the City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola will reportedly become Liverpool next manager(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has reportedly already decided on its next manager following Arne Slot’s firing, with Andoni Iraola claimed to have been lined up.
The surprise decision was made to relieve Slot of his duties on Saturday after Liverpool’s poor 2025/26 season had ended the week before. The Reds ended the campaign trophyless, and only just managed to secure Champions League qualification, having won the Premier League title the previous season.
The search is now on for his successor, although it seems Liverpool may have already found its man, with Iraola reportedly set to step into the dugout at Anfield this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the former Bournemouth boss will take over at Liverpool. “Andoni Iraola, set to become the next Liverpool manager as revealed earlier today!” he posted on X.
Negotiations are said to be moving forward quickly, although Liverpool is claimed to have already made the decision to appoint the 43-year-old.
Reports earlier this week claimed that Iraola was holding out for the job at Anfield, having already turned down the chance to manage at three other clubs.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola is reportedly set to take over from Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports, the Spaniard had been in talks with AC Milan, although discussions had stalled amid his concerns about taking over at the San Siro.
As well as Milan, Iraola was also said to be in the running for the jobs at Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace, with the latter on the lookout as Oliver Glasner departs following the Eagles triumph in the Conference League.
Iraola confirmed he would be leaving Bournemouth earlier this year, having been in charge of the Cherries since 2023, when he was appointed by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.
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He led Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish in the 2025/26, and his side was still in the running to beat Liverpool to Champions League qualification heading into the last game of the season. Marco Rose has been confirmed as his successor on the south coast, with Iraola potentially now heading to Anfield.
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Liverpool.com says: Iraola feels like it would be an exciting appointment by Liverpool, given the job he did at Bournemouth. At the same time though, it is a bit of a gamble by the club.
He hasn't managed a truly top level side during his career so far, which is one of the things the club looked for when it appointed Slot two years ago. That experience in charge of one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands was one of the main reasons why Liverpool went for him.
Iraola then will have to show he can step up to the plate at a club like Liverpool. Every Reds fan will be keeping their fingers crossed that he can.