Liverpool is in discussions with Feyenoord to acquire Arne Slot as their next manager. The 45-year-old is open to succeeding Jürgen Klopp’s tenure at Anfield. Slot is the top preference for the post at Liverpool due to his established track record of nurturing young players, attaining successful outcomes within a reasonable budget, his European experience and a similar gameplay strategy to Klopp’s. Anfield’s recruitment team finds these attributes extremely promising.
The official advances have finally been made by Liverpool for their favored contender – Slot, who is also drawing interest from football powerhouses like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan. Slot appears interested in transitioning to the Premier League club.
Slot’s stay at Feyenoord is contracted until 2026 without any release clause. However, pulling him away from the Rotterdam-based club might require a compensation payment around €10 million. Slot’s recent feats include guiding Feyenoord to a KNVB Cup victory on Sunday, and clinching the Eredivisie title in the previous season. Furthermore, he led the team to the maiden Europa Conference League final during his debut season, succeeding Dick Advocaat.
The quest for Klopp’s replacement at Liverpool is powered by Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group’s new CEO of football, and upcoming Sports Director, Richard Hughes, who own the club.
Earlier, ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was considered prime selection. However, after pledging his immediate future to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool expanded their search. Alternatives have included Rúben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon, sought after by West Ham, and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Since Klopp’s surprising exit announcement in January, Liverpool has been contacting potential successors through brokers. Slot is the first one to receive an official proposal, an indication of Edwards and Hughes’ assurance in securing the coach who Tottenham courted in the preceding season.