Arne Slot, the current manager of Feyenoord, is set to become Liverpool’s next manager after a compensation deal worth up to £9.4m was agreed upon between the two clubs. Slot will succeed Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure from Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The agreement between Liverpool and Feyenoord includes a payment of £7.7m plus a possible £1.7m in add-ons. Slot, known for his attacking style of play and ability to develop players, led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in the 2022-23 season and has won the Dutch Cup this season.
Slot expressed his interest in managing in the Premier League when he was linked with Tottenham in 2023. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders for the position at Anfield. However, Alonso confirmed he would remain with Bayer Leverkusen, and Amorim’s chances diminished with Slot’s appointment.
Jurgen Klopp, who had no involvement in the selection process for his replacement, spoke highly of Slot’s teams and personality. He praised Slot’s style of play and described him as a “good guy” and a “good coach.” Klopp believes that Slot will have the opportunity to improve the team as Liverpool did not finish the season on a high note.
Arne Slot’s journey to becoming Liverpool’s manager has been an impressive one. He began his coaching career as a youth coach at PEC Zwolle before moving to SC Cambuur as an assistant manager. In 2017, Slot joined AZ Alkmaar and eventually became the manager in 2019. In his first season in charge, AZ Alkmaar finished second, level on points with leaders Ajax, before the Covid-19 pandemic prematurely ended the season. However, Slot was sacked in December 2020 after it was revealed that he had been negotiating with Feyenoord.
As Slot prepares to take on the “best job in the world” at Liverpool, fans and pundits alike are excited to see how he will build upon Klopp’s success. With his attacking style and ability to develop players, Slot is expected to bring a fresh perspective and continue Liverpool’s winning tradition.