Andoni Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s leading candidate to replace Arne Slot, sources tell ESPN. The 43‑year‑old left AFC Bournemouth after guiding the Cherries to their first ever Europa League spot, ending a historic Premier League campaign. With Slot dismissed following two seasons, Anfield’s hierarchy are now weighing options, but Iraola’s recent success, immediate availability and could reshape direction.

At Bournemouth, Iraola built a high‑energy, pressing style that mirrored Liverpool’s desired identity, earning him praise from sporting director Richard Hughes, who recruited him to the Cherries in 2023. Hughes’ long‑standing relationship with the Spaniard, coupled with the club’s willingness to meet his £10 million a year wage demand—unaffordable for Bournemouth—makes the move financially feasible for Liverpool, for the Reds.

Other names floating include VfB Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and RC Lens boss Pierre Sage, yet none combine Premier League experience with a proven link to the Anfield board like Iraola. Should he accept, the Spaniard would inherit a squad eager for a more aggressive approach, offering a swift transition that could stabilise Liverpool’s campaign ahead of the next league round in the near term.