With Jürgen Klopp’s exit as Liverpool manager on the horizon, the Merseyside outfit have been actively on the hunt for the next man to take the reins.
After names like Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann were mentioned, it is now reported that Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will be the next gaffer at the Anfield dugout.
The news of Slot’s expected arrival has stirred mixed reactions – with fans worried about the profile of the manager while others impressed with his exploits in the Dutch top flight.
Slot won the Eredivisie last season and the Dutch Cup this season with fans totally in love with his side’s playing style which has drawn similar comparisons to Klopp and Pep Guardiola.It has been reported that an agreement has been reached between Slot and Liverpool – and also Liverpool and Feyenoord on a compensation fee as he still has two years left on his contract.
The compensation package worth up to around €13/15million makes Slot the most expensive Dutch coach ever.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Slot, his philosophy, his influence and his profile in general, Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan said: “He is the prime candidate for Liverpool.
“It was only a matter of time before another big English club would come knocking on the door. He’s not only been a successful manager, he’s also been hugely impressive with his playing style of very attack-minded, Pep Guardiola-style football.
“I don’t expect Feyenoord to stand in the way. They know he’s a manager in demand but they will demand a big compensation fee. He has two years left on his contract. That was a record deal. Never before in Dutch football has a team paid a manager such huge wages.
“The players like him, the fans love him, the club love him – they won’t want him to go. Feyenoord have every right to demand a big fee as there is no clause in his contract, which he renewed last year.
“He’s been a successful coach and made Feyenoord champions playing crazy, sexy football. It is sexy what this man brings on a football pitch.
“There’s nothing more to win for him here. The next step for him is to enter a club in a big league and no league is bigger for the Dutch than the Premier League.
“I will be surprised if Slot doesn’t bite at this chance and become the manager of Liverpool next season.”
Slot has already grabbed the opportunity with both hands and his ready to lead a new era at Liverpool with the emotional departure of Klopp set for the final Premier League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.