Liverpool confirmed Friday that head coach Arne Slot will leave the club with immediate effect. The departure ends Slot's tenure at Anfield, and the club now faces the task of finding a successor.
According to ESPN, Andoni Iraola is the leading candidate to fill that role. Sources told the outlet that the Bournemouth manager has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as Liverpool head coach.
Iraola, a former Spanish professional defender, has built a strong reputation at Bournemouth after guiding the club through competitive Premier League seasons. His style of play and ability to develop a clear tactical identity have drawn attention from larger clubs across Europe.
Liverpool's move to part ways with Slot comes as a significant shift for the club. Slot had taken over the position following Jurgen Klopp's departure and carried Liverpool through a high-profile stretch of Premier League competition. The confirmation that he is leaving immediately, rather than at the end of a contract or transition period, signals a clean and quick break.
No timeline has been given for when Liverpool expects to name a permanent replacement. With Iraola still under contract at Bournemouth, any move would require negotiations between the two clubs before an appointment could be made official.