Liverpool have opened formal talks with Andoni Iraola as the club moves to fill the head coach vacancy left by the sacking of Arne Slot.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is leading the process — the same man who brought Iraola to Bournemouth in 2023 before moving to Anfield himself the following year. Sky Sports News had already identified Iraola as the front-runner after Slot's dismissal on Saturday, and formal negotiations are now confirmed to be underway.

Liverpool have made clear their priority is finding a coach whose football philosophy aligns with the club's preferred style, rather than rushing into an appointment. No approaches have been made yet to potential members of the coaching staff; those conversations would only begin once discussions with Iraola reach an advanced stage.

Bournemouth's remarkable season

Iraola's stock has never been higher. Bournemouth put together an 18-game unbeaten run across the second half of the 2025/26 Premier League season, finishing sixth and securing UEFA Europa League football. The Cherries ended the campaign just three points behind Liverpool — a remarkable achievement for a club of their resources.

What the pundits say

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher acknowledged Iraola's quality but raised doubts about whether his methods can translate to the demands of a title challenge.