Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as new head coach on two-year contract

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach, with the Basque swiftly replacing Arne Slot in the Anfield hotseat for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Merseyside club parted company with Slot on Saturday, May 30, after an underwhelming season in which they finished fifth in the Premier League as defending champions.

Slot started his second campaign with high expectations after an impressive, title-winning debut season, but the club finished in fifth.

After a review, Liverpool’s hierarchy decided to move on from the Dutchman, opening up a spot for a new coach.

The club have moved swiftly to replace him ahead of the World Cup and the summer transfer window.

Iraola had announced before the season’s end that he would bring his successful time at Bournemouth to an end.

The Spaniard had been earmarked as their top target and an agreement was quickly reached.

The club wrote on their official website: "Liverpool FC can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

"The 43-year-old will take up the helm at Anfield to succeed Arne Slot, who departed The Reds on Saturday."

Iraola said: ”Really excited, really excited. Because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world.

”But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club. You don’t need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool.

”But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It’s difficult to find it. So, really excited to start.”

Iraola had also been linked with Athletic Club, Crystal Palace and others, but he has now answered the call to take over at Anfield.

The 43-year-old joined Bournemouth from Rayo Vallecano in June 2023. He managed 127 games for the South Coast club, with a 37% win percentage.

His most recent season with the club saw him guide the team to sixth spot, just three points behind Liverpool.

Liverpool face a summer of upheaval with star forward Mo Salah to leave the club after a season where he made his frustration with Slot clear on more than one occasion, appearing to come close to an exit in the winter transfer window.

Ultimately, the Egyptian forward remained at Anfield for the rest of the season, but will need to be replaced.

There are also two experienced defenders leaving at the end of their respective contracts.

Scotland international left-back Andy Robertson will depart, and he is widely tipped to join Tottenham Hotspur after they secured their Premier League status on the last day of the season.

French central defender Ibrahima Konate failed to agree new terms, and he is expected to join Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid should his switch from Benfica be completed, as is expected.