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Andoni Iraola has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become Liverpool’s new head coach, as the club moves quickly to appoint a replacement for the recently dismissed Arne Slot.

Discussions between Liverpool and the Basque coach began on Tuesday morning, progressing swiftly as the former Bournemouth manager expressed his willingness to accept the offer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth three years ago, is leading the Reds’ search for Slot’s successor.

Liverpool are keen to finalise the appointment without delay, and formal confirmation of Iraola’s arrival is expected in the coming days.

Iraola, who became Liverpool’s prime candidate soon after talks began, left Bournemouth after guiding the club to their best-ever Premier League finish. Hughes believes the Spaniard’s dynamic, high-intensity approach aligns perfectly with Liverpool’s footballing philosophy – something Slot’s team struggled to maintain last season.

The Merseyside club also considered Lens boss Pierre Sage and Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness, but Iraola quickly emerged as the leading contender for the role.

It is understood that Iraola may look to bring some members of his Bournemouth coaching team to Anfield, while Slot’s assistants – Sipke Hulshoff, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Ruben Peeters – are likely to depart with him.

Before his Premier League stint, Iraola managed Rayo Vallecano, achieving finishes of 12th, ninth, and then sixth with Bournemouth. The 43-year-old had already announced in April his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s tenure at Liverpool came to an end on Saturday, just six days after a disappointing campaign. Despite leading the club to the Premier League title in 2025, the Reds slumped to fifth place this season, collecting only 60 points.

In a farewell letter to supporters, Slot wrote that he was leaving “knowing the club is exactly where it belongs: amongst Europe’s elite”. He added, “Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility, and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond.”

Slot further stated, “I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead. The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure. At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write its own story and embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.”

He concluded, “Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.”