Andoni Iraola has been appointed as the new Liverpool head coach, with the deal now confirmed following the departure of Arne Slot last weekend.
Iraola’s move to Anfield was completed after his arrival on Merseyside from San Sebastian on Thursday, June 4, 2026, morning, where he signed a two-year contract having previously reached a verbal agreement with the club.
The former AFC Bournemouth manager joins Liverpool after leaving the Cherries at the end of the season, having guided them to European qualification for the first time in their history.
Liverpool moved quickly to secure the 43-year-old as their preferred candidate, following the decision to part ways with Premier League title-winning manager Slot after just two seasons in charge.
Negotiations were led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously worked with Iraola during his time at Bournemouth.
A former right-back who spent much of his playing career at Athletic Club, Andoni Iraola now takes charge of a Liverpool side seeking a reset after a disappointing campaign.
During his playing career in San Sebastian, he featured alongside Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, both of whom have since transitioned into high-profile coaching roles.
Iraola began his managerial career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus before spells at Mirandés and Rayo Vallecano, where he earned promotion to La Liga and led the club to a Copa del Rey semi-final.
While he is yet to win a major trophy as a manager, his high-intensity, attacking style has earned widespread praise in the Premier League.
Liverpool also considered Sebastian Hoeneß and Pierre Sage for the role, but ultimately settled on Iraola, viewing him as the ideal fit to rebuild the squad following a challenging season.
