Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Liverpool opened formal talks and reached a verbal agreement with Andoni Iraola on Tuesday for a proposed two-year contract, though the club had not yet issued a formal announcement.
- Sporting director Richard Hughes is driving the recruitment and has prior working ties to Iraola from their time together at Bournemouth.
- Iraola is widely viewed by Liverpool as a fit for a high-pressing, front-foot style the club wants to restore after a disappointing title defence under Arne Slot.
- The Spaniard is expected to bring several members of his Bournemouth backroom team, with names reported including Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, Pablo de la Torre and Tom Webber, while several of Slot’s assistants are set to depart.
- Liverpool aim to finalise the appointment before the World Cup to give the new coach time to influence summer rebuilding amid significant squad turnover and transfer decisions.