Changes are incoming at Anfield following a bold call from Liverpool's hierarchy to sack Arne Slot after two years in charge on Merseyside.
The Dutch coach led the Reds to a bold Premier League title in his debut season, but despite investing heavily in his squad last summer, the former Feyenoord boss finished fifth at the end of 2025/26.
Despite initially giving Slot a vote of confidence in the final weeks of the campaign, Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have now changed their stance on the 47-year-old.
"The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful," the Merseyside club said in a statement.
“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward.
“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.
“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person.
“Nevertheless, the conclusion we've come to is built on a belief the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction.
“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”
Slot's exit means there will be a new face on the Anfield touchline next season, with highly-rated Spaniard Iraola the red-hot favourite, as per The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce.
Iraola will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires in the coming weeks, after leading the Cherries to a first-ever European qualification, and a move to Liverpool looks on despite rumoured offers from AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen.