OFFICIAL: Liverpool sack Arne Slot, potential replacement emerges

Liverpool is preparing to make a major coaching shake-up as they have decided to let Arne Slot go following a poor campaign, simultaneously stepping up their pursuit of Andoni Iraola before other clubs can act.

Liverpool's management is reported to have made a surprising decision by terminating the contract with head coach Arne Slot after just two seasons in charge of the club.According to information from renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has identified Andoni Iraola as the top candidate for the hot seat at Anfield.

This decision comes after Liverpool's highly disappointing 2025/26 season. Just one year after winning the Premier League in Slot's first season, the Merseyside club suffered a severe decline. The Reds finished the season in fifth place, failed to win any trophies, and ended up 25 points behind the champions in the standings.

A place in next season's Champions League was only secured on the final matchday after a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Anfield. With ambitions to compete for major honors, this performance clearly did not meet the expectations of Liverpool's owners.

Arne Slot was once seen as the perfect successor after the Jürgen Klopp era. The 47-year-old manager made a name for himself by leading Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in the 2022/23 season, before delivering a Premier League title for Liverpool in his very first year at the helm. However, his second season exposed limitations in maintaining consistency and adapting when opponents found ways to counter the team's style of play.

Liverpool's target is Andoni Iraola, a tactician who has emerged as one of the best managers in England. After three seasons in charge of AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish coach has left a strong mark, leading the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Notably, Bournemouth also set an 18-match unbeaten streak and secured qualification for the Europa League for the first time in their history. That achievement is even more impressive given the limited financial resources of the south-coast club.

However, Liverpool will need to act quickly if they want to secure Iraola's services. Sources indicate that Crystal Palace are also pursuing the 43-year-old tactician to replace the position left by Oliver Glasner. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly in advanced negotiations with the Spanish manager.

Nevertheless, Liverpool still holds a significant advantage thanks to their Champions League qualification and the appeal of one of Europe's most historic clubs. The race for Iraola's signature is thus set to become one of the most notable stories of this summer's transfer window.