Once a failed transfer now the head coach, meet Andoni Iraola Liverpool's new boss

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, less than a week after dismissing Arne Slot following a disappointing second season in charge.The 43-year-old Spaniard will take over ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, returning to a club he once came close to joining as a player during the 2014 January transfer window.

"We can confirm Andoni Iraola has agreed a deal to become the club's new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season," Liverpool said in a statement posted on social media.

Liverpool’s decision reflects a shift back toward a high-intensity, aggressive pressing style after concerns over the team’s performances under Slot, whose side lost 12 league matches in a difficult title defence.

Speaking after his appointment, Iraola said: "You don't need a lot of things to get attracted by Liverpool. Liverpool is Liverpool. But obviously the atmosphere, the supporters, the club, the players, the chance for me to coach top-level players, the chance to fight for titles. I think it cannot be more attractive than this. It's difficult to find it. So, really excited to start."

FAILED TRANSFER TO HEAD COACH

Iraola’s appointment carries a unique narrative twist, with the Spaniard having been on Liverpool’s radar as a player in 2014 before the move collapsed, and he remained at Athletic Bilbao. More than a decade later, he returns not as a signing but as the club’s head coach.

The Basque coach has since built a strong managerial reputation, most recently guiding Bournemouth to one of their most successful Premier League seasons. The south-coast club finished sixth, went unbeaten in their final 18 matches, and secured European qualification for the first time in their history.

His rise through management included spells at AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano before his breakthrough in England, where his intense pressing style drew comparisons with the philosophy of Jurgen Klopp.

Despite his success, the appointment represents a significant gamble for Liverpool. Iraola has never managed at Champions League level, has no major trophies as a coach, and will now be tasked with rebuilding a squad in transition following the departures of key senior players including Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Liverpool spent heavily in the previous offseason but still finished fifth, prompting leadership to reset the project with a manager seen as aligned with their traditional high-energy identity.

Iraola now becomes the latest Basque coach to take charge in the Premier League, joining a growing group that includes Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Xabi Alonso.