Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract.The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the outgoing Bournemouth boss had reached a verbal agreement to succeed Arne Slot, who was sacked on Saturday after two seasons at the club — the 2025-26 campaign finished trophyless, with a fifth-place Premier League finish.Iraola quickly emerged as the clear favourite to be the Dutchman’s replacement and he was the only candidate approached by Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.Iraola, 43, flew into Liverpool from San Sebastian earlier on Thursday to complete the formalities. The two-year contract, rather than a longer arrangement, was at the coach’s request having signed similar deals at his previous clubs.
We can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season 🤝
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 4, 2026In the wake of Slot’s departure, senior club figures indicated that they wanted to see a more front foot, aggressive and urgent brand of football with Iraola’s preferred style of play fitting the bill.Liverpool have not confirmed any appointments to his backroom staff as the process is ongoing, but The Athletic reported earlier this week that he wants to bring Pablo de la Torre, Tommy Elphick, Shaun Cooper and Tom Webber with him from Bournemouth.Iraola’s arrival will mark a reunion with sporting director Hughes, who he worked with at the south-coast club ahead of his own move to Merseyside in 2024.Hughes and Fenway Sports Group CEO of football Michael Edwards admire how Iraola turned Bournemouth into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League without the kind of resources available to most of their rivals.They believe he has both the personality and leadership qualities to handle the step up to a bigger club.
