Liverpool could get Arne Slot replacement for nothing if FSG fires under-pressure boss

Liverpool could replace Arne Slot as Reds boss for nothing after it was announced Andoni Iraola will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the Premier League season

Andoni Iraola is a potential candidate to take over from Arne Slot at Liverpool(Image: 2024 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)

Liverpool could end up replacing Arne Slot for free this summer after it was confirmed that Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Despite having guided the Reds to a Premier League title in his debut season in charge of Liverpool, Slot's position at Anfield is under threat following a disappointing campaign this term. Liverpool currently sits 18 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table, with the Reds miles off the pace this term despite having spent heavily in the summer on the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.

Should FSG fire Slot by Liverpool, the Reds could end up turning to a man their sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows all too well: Iraola. It was Hughes who hired Iraola as Bournemouth boss back in 2023.

Hughes went on to depart Bournemouth for Liverpool, while Iraola remained with the Cherries, who he has guided to 12th and ninth place finishes in the Premier League during the two seasons prior to the 2025/26 season.

The 43-year-old will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, with Iraola having already been linked to a host of jobs.

"Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons," said Bournemouth owner Bill Foley in a statement following the announcement of Iraola's impending departure.

Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)

"He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished."

Just where Iraola ends up next, however, is anyone's guess.

Should Liverpool end up moving on from Slot, Iraola would be a candidate for the Anfield job alongside former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been out of work since being fired by Real Madrid.

He would also be a candidate to take the Athletic Club job, which would see Iraola return to the club where he made over 500 appearances.

The Basque side is on the hunt for a new coach after their current manager, Ernesto Valverde, announced he would be leaving at the end of the season.

And there is also every chance Iraola could land at another Premier League club, too. Crystal Palace has been linked to the Spaniard as a potential replacement for Oliver Glasner.

With Eddie Howe's job on Tyneside also under threat, Newcastle has also been mooted as a potential landing spot for Iraola.

Then there is also Manchester United, where former midfielder Michael Carrick is currently in charge as an interim following the firing of Ruben Amorim earlier this season.