Liverpool are preparing to open formal talks with Andoni Iraola over the vacant head coach position following the departure of Arne Slot.
The Premier League club parted ways with Slot on Saturday, just a year after the Dutchman guided the Reds to the league title, and are now moving swiftly to appoint a replacement ahead of pre-season preparations.
According to a report by BBC Sport on Monday, Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s preferred candidate after impressing during his time at Bournemouth.
The 43-year-old Spaniard led Bournemouth to the highest Premier League finish in the club’s history, securing sixth place and qualification for next season’s Europa League. The Cherries ended the campaign just three points behind Liverpool.
While Liverpool have assessed other managerial options, including Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness and Lens manager Pierre Sage, Iraola is understood to be the frontrunner for the role.
The former Athletic Bilbao defender announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season and has since attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool’s search for a new manager comes amid reports that the club wants to adopt a more aggressive, high-intensity style of play.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is also believed to be a strong admirer of Iraola, having worked with him during his tenure as Bournemouth’s technical director.
Despite securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, Liverpool endured a difficult domestic campaign, finishing on 60 points — their lowest Premier League tally since the 2015/16 season and 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
A former Spain international, Iraola spent the majority of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao before moving into management. He began his coaching career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus and later managed Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before taking charge of Bournemouth in 2023.
Liverpool are expected to intensify negotiations in the coming days as they seek to finalise the appointment of a new head coach before the start of pre-season.