June 3 – Liverpool are set to turn to one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded managers after reaching an agreement with Andoni Iraola to become the club’s new head coach following the dismissal of Arne Slot.
The Spaniard, who transformed Bournemouth into European qualifiers during the 2025/26 season, emerged as Liverpool’s preferred candidate almost immediately after Slot’s departure on Saturday. A formal announcement is expected in the coming days as the club finalises the transition.
The appointment represents a victory for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who originally recruited Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023 before making the move to Anfield the following year. Hughes has remained a strong admirer of the former Rayo Vallecano manager and is understood to have led the process that resulted in Liverpool securing their top target.
Liverpool’s search centred on identifying a coach capable of maintaining the club’s aggressive, high-intensity style while building on the foundations established in recent years. Iraola’s tactical approach, built around relentless pressing, quick transitions and front-foot football, made him a natural fit for the club’s long-term vision.
The 44-year-old arrives at Anfield with his reputation significantly enhanced after guiding Bournemouth to one of the most remarkable campaigns in the club’s history. The Cherries finished sixth in the Premier League, securing qualification for the Europa League after an impressive second half of the season that included an 18-match unbeaten run, even after their squad was picked apart last summer with four of the back five departing for bigger clubs.
Having cleverly rebuilt, Bournemouth ended the campaign just three points behind Liverpool.
Attention will now turn to the composition of Liverpool’s coaching staff. Iraola is keen to bring several trusted members of his Bournemouth backroom team with him to Merseyside, including assistants Pablo de la Torre and Shaun Cooper, first-team coach Tommy Elphick and performance specialist Tom Webber.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]