EPL: Liverpool target ex-Bournemouth coach Iraola

Liverpool are set to open formal talks with Andoni Iraola over becoming the club’s new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot.

The Reds parted ways with Slot on Saturday, just one year after the Dutchman guided the club to the Premier League title.

Liverpool’s hierarchy are keen to appoint a successor quickly, with Iraola emerging as the leading candidate for the role.

As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 43-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a successful spell at Bournemouth, leading the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League finish.

The south coast club ended the season in sixth place, securing qualification for next season’s Europa League after finishing just three points behind Liverpool.

Although Liverpool have also considered other candidates, including Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness and Lens boss Pierre Sage, Iraola is widely expected to be offered the position.

Iraola announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season and has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool’s decision to dismiss Slot was reportedly driven by a desire for a more aggressive and high-intensity style of football.

The club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, previously worked with Iraola during his time as Bournemouth’s technical director, a connection that could prove significant in the appointment process.

Despite qualifying for next season’s Champions League, Liverpool endured a disappointing league campaign, finishing with 60 points — their lowest tally since the 2015-16 season and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.

A former Spain international, Iraola spent most of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao before moving into management.

He began his coaching journey with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and later managed Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano in Spain before taking charge of Bournemouth in 2023.

Liverpool are expected to accelerate discussions in the coming days as they look to appoint a new manager ahead of the start of pre-season preparations.