Liverpool are on the brink of appointing Arne Slot as their next manager, following the completion of a compensation deal valued at up to £9.4m with Feyenoord.
The Dutchman is poised to take over the reins from Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure from Anfield in January, effective at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Pending finalization of contractual terms, Liverpool will move forward with appointing the 45-year-old as their new manager.
In the agreement with Feyenoord, Liverpool will pay £7.7m (9m euros) upfront, with a potential additional £1.7m (2m euros) in add-ons.
Slot’s tenure at Feyenoord has seen notable success, including clinching the 2022-23 Eredivisie title and securing the Dutch Cup this season, with a second-place finish in the league anticipated.
The decision to appoint Slot is attributed to his team’s attacking style of play, his managerial demeanor, and his reputation for player development, all of which align with Liverpool’s vision.
Slot expressed interest in managing in the Premier League previously when linked with Tottenham in 2023.
While former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim were also considered for the role, the club ultimately opted for Slot as Klopp’s successor.
Klopp, who had no involvement in the selection process, commended Slot’s tactical approach and managerial qualities during a press conference on Friday.
“I like the way his team play football. All the things I hear about him as a guy say he’s a good guy,” Klopp said.
“I like that a lot – good guy, good coach and looking forward for the club if he is the solution. I’m more than happy, it sounds all really good.”
Asked about the job Slot would be taking on if appointed, Klopp added: “Best job in the world, best club in the world. Now it looks like [Slot is] helped by [Liverpool] not finishing on a high so there’s space for improvement.”