Liverpool have reportedly made the decision to sack Arne Slot after the failure of the 2025-26 season, with Andoni Iraola lined up to replace the Dutchman.
The Reds have lost 20 games in all competitions this season – a club record high in the modern era, and now it seems as though FSG are ready to cut their losses with Slot.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Liverpool “have lined up a replacement for Slot.” The report states that the ‘tide is turning very quickly’ at Anfield.
Liverpool play their final Premier League game of the season on Sunday against Brentford. Ironically, Liverpool could miss out on Champions League football to Bournemouth if there is a big enough goal difference swing on Sunday.
Richard Hughes is now ready to make a move to hire Iraola as the club’s new manager, whom he knows very well after his time at the South Coast club.
? BREAKING: Andoni Iraola to LEAVE Bournemouth at the end of the season.
Decision made as Iraola wants new chapter in another European club, now open to talks next as @TheAthleticFC reported.
It’s over between Iraola and #AFCB. ? pic.twitter.com/rVaq01llnX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2026
Richard Hughes ready to make Andoni Iraola the next manager of Liverpool FC
Foot Mercato claim that Hughes “has discreetly activated a lead he knows perfectly well: Andoni Iraola . It was Hughes himself who brought the Spanish manager to the Premier League during his previous role at Bournemouth .
“The timing is indeed perfect. At 43, and after taking the reins of the Cherries in July 2023, Iraola decided to leave Bournemouth this summer despite particularly tempting contract extension offers. Open to a new, high-profile challenge and already in contact with Crystal Palace, he ticks all the boxes to take over at Anfield.”
Why do Liverpool see Iraola as the ideal replacement for Slot?
Liverpool have regressed massively this season, but outside the poor football on display, Slot has also showcased a worrying lack of accountability and still has very little connection with match-going supporters.
Liverpool is unlike other English football clubs. It’s a culture as much as a football club. Things have to be done the Liverpool Way or not all to keep the Anfield faithful happy.
? Arne Slot message to Liverpool fans: “I can understand at this moment in time they don’t have confidence that things can be much better next season…
…but I think they are underestimating what a transfer window can do, what a new start can do… I think we know quite well… pic.twitter.com/8fjuvmM83B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2026
While Slot delivered an unlikely Premier League title in his first season in the dugout, he has failed to promote or integrate any youth talent into his side and remains at odds with supporters.
Iraola, however, appears to be the opposite entirely at Bournemouth.
Foot Mercato explains the footballing reasons for why Hughes believes he is a good fit for the Reds.
They say: “What so appeals to Liverpool is the modern yet discreet profile of the Spanish manager. Iraola has just led Bournemouth to an incredible 6th place in the Premier League by advocating an aggressive and resolutely attacking style of play.
“His secret weapon? Exceptional tactical adaptability. Dominating possession, pressing high, attacking directly, or dropping back into a compact block… he can do it all. Without the slightest ego and focused on discipline and collective effort, he also prioritizes the development of young talent.”
