Liverpool begin direct talks with Feyenoord manager Arne Slot

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made ‘direct contact’ with Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as they continue the search for Jürgen Klopp‘s successor. Direct talks have already taken place with the 45-year-old Dutchman, and one more meeting has reportedly been scheduled.

On Monday, Arne Slot emerged as one of the bookies’ favourites to become the next Liverpool boss, with the likes of Jose Mourinho, Roberto De Zerbi and Gary O’Neil also included. It has now been confirmed that Slot is part of Liverpool’s shortlist ahead of a potential move to Anfield this summer.

Arne Slot has done a truly remarkable job since his arrival at De Kuip in 2021, and he has just guided the Rotterdam club to their 14th KNVB Cup, beating NEC Nijmegen 1-0 in Sunday’s final. As a player, Arne Slot spent his entire career in the Netherlands, featuring in midfield for PEC Zwolle, NAC Breda and Sparta Rotterdam. After hanging up his boots in 2013 at PEC Zwolle, Slot took up coaching roles at Zwolle before being appointed as an assistant coach at Cambuur. In 2017, he joined AZ Alkmaar, initially working as an assistant before being appointed as head coach two years later. The Eredivisie was cancelled during his first season in charge due to Covid, but Slot guided the club to second place, level on points with Ajax. Feyenoord came calling in 2021 and Slot guided them to the title during his second season with an incredibly young squad.

At Feyenoord, Slot has proven that he’s excellent at developing young players and he’s brought the best out of their youth academy. Working with a relatively low transfer budget, Slot has reignited one of Dutch footballs most iconic clubs. However, it’s difficult to tell how he would handle working at a club as large as Liverpool. Talks between Liverpool and Slot are set to continue, and a move away from De Kuip this summer seems likely for the head coach.