Andoni Iraola is reported to be holding talks over the vacant Liverpool head coach position on Sunday, with the former Bournemouth boss expected to sign.
Iraola quickly emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over at Liverpool following their decision to part ways with Arne Slot.
While the likes of Sebastian Hoeness and Pierre Sage are also reported to have been of interest, Liverpool are set to push on with talks over a deal to appoint Iraola.
talkSPORT‘s Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook – who are now considered reliable sources when it comes to the club – report that those negotiations will begin on Sunday.
Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth shouts instructions. Premier League match, Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool on Saturday 19th August 2023. this image may only be used for Editorial purposes. Editorial use only, license required for commercial use. No use in betting, games or a single club/league/player publications. pic by Chris Stading/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live news Credit: Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live News
It is therefore entirely feasible that Iraola will be unveiled as Liverpool’s new head coach at the start of next week, provided talks go as planned.
Iraola is also wanted by Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen but is set to give priority to Anfield after holding out in the event Slot was dismissed.
It comes after the Spaniard ended a three-year spell with Bournemouth, having led the south-coast club to Europe for the first time in their history by finishing sixth in the Premier League.
The 43-year-old has remained in the UK despite his time at Bournemouth coming to an end, with his children enrolled in school in Dorset.
Iraola wants to bring Bournemouth assistant to Liverpool
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 17, 2016: Liverpool's captain Lucas Leiva and Bournemouth's captain Tommy Elphick lay a wreath to remember the 96 victims of the Hillsborough Stadium Disaster before the FA Premier League match at Dean Court. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
If he does join Liverpool as now expected, the Telegraph reports that Iraola wants to bring his Bournemouth assistant Tommy Elphick in as part of his staff.
Elphick recently turned down an offer to become manager of Championship side Bristol City and had been lined up to remain as part of new Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose’s staff.
Iraola is likely to also push for the appointment of fitness coach Pablo de la Torre if he does sign a contract with Liverpool, having been the only member of staff he brought with him from Rayo Vallecano in 2023.
Vallecano assistant Inigo Perez had been slated to follow Iraola to Bournemouth at the time but work permit issues saw him stay with the Spanish club – he became their manager in 2024 and led them to this season’s Conference League final.
Speaking on the final day of the season, having clinched a spot in the Europa League, Iraola told BBC Sport: “The champagne is in the changing room, we were celebrating like we should.
“I enjoyed every second with the fans, with the players, it is so nice to finish like this and to have something to celebrate. I have seen a lot of people who have supported me these three years.
“It’s half term for the kids, I will stay in Bournemouth until July.
“Tomorrow, I will celebrate with the staff, I will go home at least for one week and take my time to make this decision [on what is next].”