Liverpool have initiated talks with Feyenoord regarding the potential acquisition of their manager, Arne Slot, as the successor to Jurgen Klopp. Slot, 45, has moved to the forefront of candidates to replace the German this summer amid interest from Bayern Munich, who are seeking a replacement for Thomas Tuchel. Slot, a Dutchman, has guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title in the previous campaign and claimed the Dutch Cup this season. Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit, and negotiations are set to commence regarding the compensation package that Feyenoord would demand for their manager, who has a contract that expires in under two years. The compensation amount is anticipated to be around £8.6 million, but discussions will continue. Liverpool’s initiation of talks with Feyenoord indicates that they have received positive signals from Slot regarding his willingness to move to Anfield. The Dutchman has been identified as the ideal candidate to succeed Klopp due to his ability to enhance players and his aggressive, high-energy style of play.
Liverpool’s initial link was to Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, but they were skeptical of his willingness to depart the newly crowned Bundesliga champions. Last month, Alonso confirmed his intention to remain in Germany. Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, another strong candidate linked to Liverpool, has engaged in discussions with West Ham but is reportedly not enthusiastic about a transfer to the London Stadium. Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi remains on Liverpool’s radar, but Slot has emerged as the most likely appointment.
Slot led Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title last season and secured the Dutch Cup this term by overcoming NEC on Sunday. They currently trail league leaders PSV by nine points with just four games remaining, indicating that they will relinquish their Eredivisie crown. This season, they finished third in their Champions League group and were eliminated from the Europa League after a defeat to Roma in February.
Liverpool executives Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, along with data analyst Will Spearman, are actively engaged in the search for Klopp’s replacement. Slot was on Tottenham’s shortlist last summer before choosing to remain in the Netherlands, and Spurs subsequently appointed Ange Postecoglou. Dutch legend Marco van Basten has expressed confidence in Slot’s ability to thrive outside his homeland.
Van Basten stated, “I believe Slot is exceptional. I wish he would stay in the Netherlands longer because he enriches Dutch football.” “He genuinely has the potential to succeed anywhere: Bayern Munich, Liverpool… I am fully convinced of that. I hope he stays in the Netherlands, but I am certain he can succeed anywhere. I have conversed with him on several occasions, and he possesses exceptional interpersonal skills. Of course, he is also tactically astute.”
“I can clearly articulate his philosophies; he is composed and intelligent. In my opinion, he is an exceptional coach. I firmly believe he can manage any club, even those that are challenging. He exercises great caution in his word choice.
