Liverpool open talks with Feyenoord to appoint Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor
Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot has emerged as a leading contender to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool (Martin Rickett/PA)
Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord as Arne Slot edges closer to replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Slot is now increasingly likely to move to Anfield, with Liverpool formally approaching his club to strike a deal.
It is understood Slot is keen on the move and it is now a matter of how much compensation will be demanded by Feyenoord as the 45-year-old does not have a buy-out clause in the three-year contract he signed last summer.
Slot has become one of the most coveted coaches in Europe, and Liverpool want to secure a deal amid interest in the Feyenoord coach from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The fact the situation has advanced so far indicates Liverpool are confident they have their man, with Slot enthusiastic about the prospect of building on Klopp’s legacy.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 24th April
Feyenoord want to keep their coach but may realise it is now about negotiating an amicable settlement.
Liverpool are engaged in formal talks with the Dutch club and Slot’s representative, Rafaela Pimenta, to conclude a recruitment process which has significantly advanced in the last 24 hours.
Slot’s name rose up a managerial shortlist which has been dwindling over recent weeks after Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ruled himself out and Liverpool moved on to other targets.
The Dutchman was pursued by Tottenham Hotspur last summer but rejected the chance to move to the Premier League after committing his future to Feyenoord. It was felt then that it was only a matter of time before he joined one of Europe’s top clubs having already turned down a number of opportunities.
Slot has achieved an attacking style of football on a modest budget and his biggest achievement was guiding Feyenoord to only their second Eredivisie title success this century last season before adding the Dutch Cup to his honours list last weekend.
A year ago, he was being talked about much like Alonso in the Bundesliga in 2024, as Feyenoord took on and beat Ajax as well as reaching the Europa League quarter-finals. A year earlier, he led the club to the first Europa Conference League final.
Liverpool’s recruitment process is being overseen by Michael Edwards, who recently returned as owner Fenway Sports Group football chief executive, and sporting director Richard Hughes. Hughes officially starts in his new role this summer, but will undoubtedly have a huge input in Liverpool’s move for Slot.
