Liverpool is finalizing a deal to name Andoni Iraola as its new head coach, with an agreement expected this week, according to multiple sources close to the negotiations.
The 43-year-old Spaniard is set to replace Arne Slot at Anfield after Slot’s dismissal over the weekend. Iraola would arrive from Bournemouth, where he has managed for the past three seasons in the Premier League.
Club officials at Liverpool have identified him as the preferred candidate to lead the first team into the 2026-27 campaign. The move comes after a 19-loss season that prompted the board to seek a change in direction.
Iraola built his reputation in England through a high-intensity approach that emphasizes aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and vertical attacking play. At Bournemouth, he primarily used a 4-2-3-1 system with attacking full-backs and a compact midfield base.
His teams are known for creating turnovers high up the pitch and delivering early balls to forwards. While at Bournemouth he recorded mixed results against lower-ranked sides, he earned praise for developing players and implementing a clear tactical identity. Before managing in England, Iraola coached Rayo Vallecano, guiding the club to promotion to La Liga in 2021 and securing consecutive mid-table finishes.
Liverpool views Iraola’s Premier League experience as a key factor in the appointment. The club believes his style aligns with the squad’s current attacking options, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Executives also noted his tactical background, which includes a playing spell under Patrick Vieira at New York City FC in 2016, during which he was recognized for his game intelligence.
Iraola holds UEFA coaching credentials and began his managerial career in Cyprus with AEK Larnaca in 2018. If confirmed, he would become the fourth manager at Anfield in three years as Liverpool looks to adjust to the league’s evolving physical and tactical demands.