Liverpool have their eye on Andoni Iraola should they decide to sack Arne Slot at any point this summer.
Foot Mercato report that Liverpool’s management are not ruling out sacking Slot, despite reports that the Dutchman retains their confidence.
Richard Hughes plans
The website reports that Liverpool Sporting Director Richard Hughes ‘still has a few tricks up his sleeve’ after Xabi Alonso, a previous target, signed for Chelsea.
According to Foot Mercato’s sources, he has quietly activated a lead he knows ‘inside out’, Andoni Iraola.
It was Hughes who appointed the Spanish boss at Bournemouth during his time on the South Coast. And the timing to appoint him now could be perfect as Iraola is leaving Bournemouth on a free transfer at the end of the season.
He is open to a major new challenge and is already in contact with Crystal Palace. Reports in Spain have indicated that deal is progressing. For Liverpool, he ‘ticks absolutely every box’ they want in a manager.
They are particularly attracted to the Spaniard’s profile, seeing him as ‘both modern and understated’. Potential qualification for the Champions League at Bournemouth has only strengthened his profile.
Liverpool fan approval
The Reds are aware that the appointment would receive approval from the club’s supporters too. Many on social media are already convinced that the Spaniard is the ideal replacement for Arne Slot this summer.
The question is whether Liverpool want to change. There has been no indication that there is such a desire, despite their disastrous title defence this season. Indeed, various reports in England have indicated that Slot retains the backing of the club’s ownership.
But they also know that this summer could be an unprecedented opportunity. Iraola will not remain available for long given the work he has done at Bournemouth. Perhaps that is leading to a change in thinking, or at least a pause for thought from Richard Hughes and company.
