Liverpool open talks with Andoni Iraola to become coach

Liverpool have begun negotiations with Andoni Iraola to become the new coach, a person with knowledge of the situation told the club Associated press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because nothing has been formally agreed.

Former Bournemouth coach Iraola was quickly identified as the favorite to succeed the sacked Arne Slot, with Liverpool looking to play a more attacking style of football in his next appointment.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has led the recruitment process.

Spanish coach Iraola led Bournemouth to European qualification this season and then walked away. Under him, Bournemouth were one of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League, punching above their weight to regularly upset high-profile opponents despite limited purchasing power.

Iraola honed talents such as Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, who all left for bigger teams and still finished sixth this season. Bournemouth were just one place and three points behind Liverpool in the battle for the final qualifying position for the Champions League.

Liverpool is looking for a coach who suits its preferred playing style: attacking football, matching the attackers it signed last year and its objectives in the coming transfer window.

The likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremy Frimpong and injury-hit striker Alexander Isak have all impressed in their debut seasons with the club.

Iraola has no experience coaching one of Europe’s elite clubs. He was previously in charge of Rayo Vallecano in Spain and also coached in Cyprus.

His reputation has grown significantly since joining Bournemouth in 2023 and this season led the side to their highest ever Premier League finish.

Published on June 2, 2026