Liverpool are reportedly close to finalising an agreement for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot to succeed Jurgen Klopp as their next manager, after the Dutchman outlined his desire to join the Reds.
On Wednesday, widespread reports suggested Slot had emerged as Liverpool’s top choice to replace Klopp, who will leave Anfield after nine years in charge at the end of the season.
Slot was reportedly ahead of Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim in Liverpool’s considerations, after their former midfielder Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the race by reaffirming his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen.
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On Thursday, Slot confirmed he was keen to join Liverpool and said he was “confident” a deal would be reached with Feyenoord, who he led to the Eredivisie title last season.
According to Sky Sports, a deal for Slot to join the Reds is inching closer to completion, though Liverpool and Feyenoord are yet to reach a final agreement on a compensation package.
It is thought Feyenoord want around £9.85 million ($11.5m) to part with Slot, who joined the club in 2021 after leaving AZ Alkmaar.
Klopp gave Slot his seal of approval on Friday at a press conference to preview Saturday’s Premier League trip to West Ham, saying he appreciated Feyenoord’s style of football.
𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐭:
‘Blij met wat ik vanavond heb gezien’#GAEFEY
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) APRIL 25, 2024
Klopp said: “What I like a lot about it – if he is the one – is that he really wants to take the job, he wants to go for it and is excited about it.
“I like the way his team plays football, and I can’t say it definitely, but I like all the things I hear about him as a guy. Some people I know do know him, and they tell me he’s a really good guy.
“Good coach, good guy. I’m looking forward, for the club, if he is the solution. If they’ve got their man, then I’m more than happy. It’s not up to me to judge but it all sounds really good.”
Slot was previously linked with Leeds United and Tottenham last year, rejecting both jobs to pen a three-year contract extension at De Kuip.
Feyenoord beat Go Ahead Eagles 3-1 on Thursday but remain nine points adrift of runaway leaders PSV at the Eredivisie summit with just three games to play. Slot’s team have only lost twice all campaign, but Peter Bosz’s PSV have won 27 of 31 matches while scoring a remarkable 103 goals.
