Andoni Iraola is poised to become the new Liverpool manager, with the club ramping up talks to finalise his appointment before the start of the World Cup on June 11. This follows the unexpected sacking of Arne Slot on Saturday after an end-of-season review conducted by Fenway Sports Group chiefs, including chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Slot had initially enjoyed success, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his first season, but a downturn in form and a perceived loss of support from fans ultimately led to his dismissal. Hughes, who previously brought Iraola to Bournemouth in July 2023, is familiar with the Basque manager and is driving the appointment process.
Iraola’s arrival could significantly impact the future of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with the incoming manager set to hold talks with the Brazilian to determine his place at Anfield. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Alisson is prepared to inform Iraola that he sees his Liverpool career as finished. This has reportedly renewed Juventus’s interest in the shot-stopper, with an ‘agreement in principle’ already in place for a three-year contract with an option for a further year.
Liverpool have currently ‘blocked’ Alisson’s departure, but that stance could change depending on Iraola’s assessment of the goalkeeping situation. If Iraola favors Giorgi Mamardashvili as his number one, or prioritises bringing in a new keeper, Alisson may be granted permission to join Juventus. The club has already identified Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen as a potential replacement.
The potential loss of Alisson adds to a significant period of change at Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson also set to leave this summer, and Ibrahima Konate having confirmed his departure after contract negotiations collapsed. Alisson is reportedly seeking assurances of being the first-choice goalkeeper, a guarantee Juventus are willing to offer. Liverpool are also actively pursuing a successor to Salah.
