Liverpool has opened talks with Feyenoord as they look to land Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp.
The Feyenoord boss has moved into pole position to be Jurgen Klopp’s replacement this summer. But Dutchman Slot, 45, is also of interest to Bayern Munich, along with Ralf Rangnick and Roberto de Zerbi, as the German champions look to land Thomas Tuchel’s successor.
Liverpool are now making their move and talks are set to proceed on what settlement package the Eredivisie club will want for their manager, who has a contract with just under two years to run.
The fact Liverpool are now opening talks with Feyenoord suggests they’ve heard the right noises from Slot that he wants to move to Anfield. They’ve pinpointed the Dutchman as their perfect candidate to replace Klopp due to his ability to improve players and his aggressive, high-octane playing style.
The Reds had been linked with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso but never really believed he would leave the new Bundesliga champions. And last month he confirmed he is staying in Germany. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim – another strongly linked with Liverpool – has held discussions with West Ham but is reportedly not currently keen on a move to the London Stadium.
Brighton boss De Zerbi is another on Liverpool’s list but Slot is now the most likely. The Dutch manager led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season and won the Dutch Cup this term by beating NEC on Sunday.
They are currently nine points off leaders PSV in this season’s title battle with just four games to go so will be relinquishing their Eredivisie crown. They finished third in their Champions League group this season and exited the Europa League after defeat by Roma in February.
Liverpool executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes continue to lead the search for Klopp’s successor alongside data analyst Will Spearman. Slot was on Tottenham’s shortlist last summer before he opted to stay in Holland and Spurs went for Ange Postecoglou.
He has been backed by Dutch legend Marco van Basten to be a success outside of his homeland. Van Basten said: “I think Slot is really good. I hope he stays in the Netherlands longer, because it is an enrichment for Dutch football”.
“He can go anywhere: Bayern Munich, Liverpool… I’m convinced of that. I hope he stays in the Netherlands, but I am convinced he can do it anywhere. I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he handles the players very well. Of course, he is also very well-versed tactically”.
“I can explain his ideas well; he is calm and intelligent. As far as I am concerned, he is a top trainer. I really think he can go to any club, even difficult clubs. He is very smart in his choice of words.”