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4 June 2026

Andoni Iraola has touched down on Merseyside to complete the final formalities of his appointment as Liverpool’s new head coach.

The 43-year-old arrived at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on a private flight from San Sebastian, his hometown in the Basque Country, before being taken away in a silver people carrier soon after landing.

Reports indicate that Iraola has agreed to a two-year contract to replace Arne Slot, who was dismissed unexpectedly on Saturday.

The former Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, is now poised to take charge at Anfield.

He was quickly identified as Liverpool’s preferred candidate, and negotiations progressed swiftly since Iraola was a free agent after leading Bournemouth to a sixth-place Premier League finish and securing their first-ever European qualification. The process was further eased by his existing working relationship with Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, who had originally appointed him at Bournemouth three years ago.

Iraola is believed to be keen on bringing his trusted backroom team to Merseyside, including assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, analyst Tom Webber, and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre.

Former Liverpool midfielders Thiago Alcantara and recently retired James Milner have both been linked with possible coaching roles, although the final composition of the coaching staff will be left to Iraola’s discretion.

The appointment aligns with the club’s intention to return to a high-intensity, pressing, and front-foot style of football—an approach that had faded during Slot’s second season in charge and ultimately led to his departure.