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Liverpool are set to enjoy a major financial advantage after finalising a deal that allows Arne Slot to become the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. The Dutch tactician, who departed Anfield earlier this summer, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman following the Oranje’s managerial reshuffle.

Netherlands move resolves financial issues

According to De Telegraaf, Liverpool have effectively cleared the way for Slot’s appointment by the KNVB, a move that will save the Premier League club several million pounds in remaining salary obligations.

The former Feyenoord manager was dismissed from his role on Merseyside just two months ago. However, as reported by De Telegraaf, the Reds have granted him permission to continue his career with the Dutch national team without forfeiting all of his severance pay.

Under the terms of his departure, Slot was entitled to a large compensation package after being placed on gardening leave — a common practice among English top-flight clubs. It has now been revealed that Liverpool will supplement his wages during his first year with the Netherlands to ensure he receives the full amount owed from his Anfield contract. This arrangement enables the KNVB to secure their preferred candidate while allowing Liverpool to lessen their financial responsibility.

Avoiding the Van Gaal precedent

The situation differs markedly from previous managerial exits in England. For example, Louis van Gaal famously refused to take another position for an entire year after being dismissed by Manchester United in order to collect the full £10 million from his settlement. Slot, in contrast, has maintained a positive professional rapport with Liverpool’s management team despite his departure coming only a year after guiding the club to the Premier League title.

The Dutch coach’s original three-year contract with Liverpool was worth around £8 million in its first season, with significant bonuses linked to his title-winning campaign. Including the final year, the total value of the contract was estimated at approximately £25 million. By opting for an international role rather than joining another Premier League side, Slot has crafted a solution that benefits all parties.

Turning down Premier League return

Slot’s route to managing the national team became clearer after he reportedly rejected offers to remain in club management. The 45-year-old was high on the shortlist for several clubs seeking a rebuild this summer, but he appears focused on leading the Oranje. In particular, Slot turned down an approach from Fulham to succeed Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

The London outfit had identified him as the ideal candidate to continue their progress, but Slot is prioritising the opportunity to apply his attacking philosophy at the international level. With the Netherlands’ Nations League fixtures against Germany scheduled for September, the KNVB is eager to confirm the appointment soon to avoid any uncertainty following Koeman’s exit.

The perfect choice for the Oranje

Despite enduring a disappointing second campaign at Anfield — during which Liverpool spent nearly £450 million but finished fifth — Slot continues to be held in high esteem in his home country. His professional and respectful approach to finalising his Liverpool departure has helped streamline the administrative process, ensuring that contractual matters from his time at Anfield will not obstruct his pursuit of the Netherlands job.