Liverpool has opened talks with Andoni Iraola to become their next manager, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because nothing has been formally agreed.
The title of the job changes quickly; the explanation usually takes a little longer to catch up.
The Bournemouth Legacy
Iraola led Bournemouth to European qualification this season before walking away. Under the Spanish coach, the club recorded its highest ever Premier League finish.
Bournemouth became one of the league's more entertaining sides, regularly upsetting higher-profile opponents despite operating with limited spending power. That kind of overachievement tends to get noticed.
Credentials and Context
Before joining Bournemouth in 2023, Iraola managed Rayo Vallecano in Spain and previously coached in Cyprus. He has no experience at one of Europe's elite clubs.
Several players—including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak—reportedly underwhelmed during their debut seasons at Bournemouth, a detail that raises questions about creative recruitment decisions rather than coaching ones.
The reputation he built in England now has Liverpool testing whether that formula translates to Anfield.
James Robson, The Associated Press