Liverpool are expected to assess Arne Slot’s future at the end of the season and are already scanning the market for a possible replacement should they decide to part ways with him. According to Foot Mercato, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is emerging as a serious candidate to succeed him, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly a strong advocate of the Spaniard, having previously played a key role in bringing him to Bournemouth. Iraola is widely expected to leave the Cherries when his contract expires at the end of the season. He was earlier linked with Chelsea before they appointed Xabi Alonso, while Crystal Palace are also believed to be monitoring him as a potential replacement for Oliver Glasner. Mohamed Salah has even urged a return to Liverpool’s “heavy metal” style of football, a high-intensity approach strongly associated with Jurgen Klopp and one that Iraola has built his reputation on. Statistically, Bournemouth under Iraola have been one of the Premier League’s most aggressive transition teams—ranking among the top sides for fast-break shots since his arrival. No team progresses the ball faster than Bournemouth, averaging 1.96 metres per second. They also sit high in key pressing metrics, including fifth for high turnovers, third for shot-ending high turnovers, and fourth for goal-ending high turnovers. Defensively, they allow just 10.5 passes per defensive action, placing them among the most proactive pressing sides in the league. Iraola has already led Bournemouth to their first-ever European qualification, and there is a growing belief that he could elevate his reputation even further if backed with stronger resources. Post navigation From France: Richard Hughes has already set wheels in motion to potentially replace Arne Slot Salah has ‘sensed an opportunity’ against Arne Slot