Andoni Iraola to Liverpool timeline emerges as supervisor ‘desires deal finished by key date’
Andoni Iraola’s proposed Liverpool appointment has been given a strict timeline as the Spaniard reportedly wants his future sorted by a certain date
Andoni Iraola has ‘reached an agreement’ to become the new Liverpool boss
Andoni Iraola’s proposed Liverpool appointment has been given a key deadline by the Spaniard.
The 43-year-old is the leading contender to be named the new Liverpool boss in the coming days after the club sacked Arne Slot following a miserable defence of the Premier League title he won in his first season in charge.
Iraola has cemented his reputation as one of the best young managers in Europe after guiding Bournemouth to their first-ever European qualification by finishing 6th in the Premier League – just three points behind Liverpool.
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However, Iraola’s future on the south coast was already decided before the end of the season after he announced he would leave the Cherries when his contract expired.
After discussions between his representatives and clubs including Crystal Palace and AC Milan, Liverpool moved quickly, thanks to sporting director Richard Hughes, and terms have reportedly been agreed in principle for Iraola to take over.
But his appointment is yet to be made official and a timeline has emerged that Iraola reportedly wants to be in his position before the start of the World Cup on June 11. Talks are expected to continue with both parties hopeful of a swift resolution.
Hughes has been crucial to Iraloa’s pursuit after previously hired him from Rayo Vallecano during his time as sporting director at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley previously commented on Hughes’ support for Iraola: “It was really a style of play that we were engaging in. We were really a counter-attacking team.
“I felt we needed to be on the offence. We needed to be aggressive, we needed to attack. That’s Andoni’s style. He’s a [Marcelo] Bielsa student and fast-paced.
“When we had the opportunity, it came to us from Richard Hughes, our technical director. He came to myself and to Neill Blake, the CEO, and then we started talking about it. I said ‘if we don’t do this now, we may never have the chance to do this again’.”
Iraola will have a busy summer ahead of him should he land the Liverpool job with Ibrahima Konate leaving the club at the end of his contract, following Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out of the Anfield exit door on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 and went on to make 183 appearances and lift the Premier League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.
Liverpool said: “Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.”
