The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because nothing has been formally agreed, but the conversations are happening. Spanish coach And oni Iraola, who lifted Bournemouth into European qualification this season before walking away, is now drawing interest from Anfield.
Iraola built something at Bournemouth that felt almost accidental: a side willing to entertain while punching well above its financial weight. Under his guidance, the club upset opponents with thicker wallets and deeper squads — the kind of result that makes neutral fans pay attention.
The Track Record
Before arriving in England, Iraola steered Rayo Vallecano in Spain and took a coaching stint in Cyprus. Neither assignment read like a launching pad toward one of Europe's most demanding clubs. His career arc was steady, not spectacular — until Bournemouth.
This season delivered Bournemouth's highest-ever Premier League finish. The achievement landed quietly, with out the noise that usually accompanies sudden rises. Iraola's reputation grew alongside those points.
The Complication
Some signings didn't land as expected. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and an injury-hit Alexander Isak all underwhelmed in the ir debut campaigns at the club. It raises a question: what happens when the next stage demands more consistency than entertainment?
Iraola has never coached at an elite European level. Liverpool represents a different gravity entirely — different expectations, different scrutiny, different everything. The leap is considerable, even if the timing feels logical.
Source: James Robson, The Associated Press