Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Arne Slot as the club’s new manager.
The Reds’ club statement shared on the club’s website confirmed Slot will take over the reins as the new Liverpool manager from June 1, 2024.
The club statement reads;
“Liverpool Football Club can announce Arne Slot has agreed a deal to become the club’s new head coach, formally taking up the position on June 1, 2024, subject to a work permit.”
Known for a decent and stellar managerial career since 2016, Slot emerged as a top candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool suffered setbacks in their pursuit of former player and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, including Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.
Slot had a year left on his Feyenoord contract but was reportedly open to an exit from the Dutch outfit in the wake of Liverpool’s interest.
It was understood the 45-year-old’s contract with Feyenoord had no release clause, hence Liverpool had the leeway to broker a deal for the tactician with just compensation to Feyenoord.
The Reds initially offered Feyenoord £8m for Slot £8m but were turned down before they increased the offer to £10m which was finally accepted.
Meanwhile, personal terms were reportedly agreed with the Eredivisie winner, paving the way for a smooth transfer after agreement with Feyenoord.
Slot was eager to take up the new challenge with Liverpool, and had confirmed in his last press conference in Eredivisie that he will become Liverpool’s new manager.
“I will be the new trainer there,” he said.
Liverpool’s announcement of Slot comes barely 24 hours after they confirmed the departure of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool considered the Dutchman the best option to step into the shoes of Klopp following his standout campaign with Dutch clubs.
He has won the Eredivisie Manager of the Year twice and is regarded as one of the best managers in the Dutch league.
Slot emerged into the limelight in the 2019/20 season when he led AZ Alkmaar to finish second in the shortlived 2019/20 Eredivisie season.
AZ Alkmaar lost the title to Ajax on goal difference after the league was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He would later win the Dutch top-flight with Feyenoord in the 2022/23 season, including the KNVB Cup in the just-concluded 2023/24 season.
According to Liverpool Echo, Liverpool have agreed on a three-year contract with Slot till 2027.
He will take charge of the club’s preseason campaign ahead of the 2024/25 season.
