Andoni Iraola is poised to travel to Merseyside on Thursday to sign his contract and take charge as Liverpool's new head coach, bringing a swift end to the club's managerial search.

Liverpool reached a verbal agreement with Iraola on Tuesday, just days after sacking Arne Slot on Saturday. Sporting director Richard Hughes led the recruitment process — the same executive who originally brought Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023 before himself moving to Anfield a year later.

A formal club announcement is expected within the coming days.

Iraola's preferred coaching staff

It is understood Iraola wants Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper, and Tom Webber to join him on the coaching staff at Anfield. Liverpool have not yet approached any of those individuals formally; such moves would only be made once discussions with Iraola reach an advanced stage.

Bournemouth success the foundation

Iraola built a formidable reputation on the south coast, guiding Bournemouth through an 18-game unbeaten run in the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Cherries secured a sixth-place finish and UEFA Europa League football, ending the campaign just three points behind Liverpool in the standings.

Questions over the step up

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher acknowledged Iraola's achievements but raised doubts about whether he can translate that success to title-winning level.