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Liverpool confirmed that Feyenoord coach Arne Slot will succeed Jurgen Klopp as the club’s new head coach. The 45-year-old Dutchman will assume his new role on June 1, pending a work permit.
Liverpool's statement did not disclose the length of Slot’s contract, but Sky Sports reports that Slot has signed a three-year deal. The move had been widely anticipated, with Liverpool reportedly agreeing on a compensation package worth up to £9.4 million ($12 million) for Slot.
Slot revealed Anfield as his next destination during his final pre-match press conference at Feyenoord on Friday.
Klopp, who announced his departure in January, managed his last game on Sunday, leading Liverpool to a 2-0 victory against Wolves.
In his farewell speech, Klopp encouraged fans to fully support Slot, saying, “You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team.”
Slot took over Feyenoord in 2021 after an impressive stint at AZ Alkmaar. In his first season, he guided Feyenoord to the inaugural Europa Conference League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
He then led Feyenoord to their second league title in 24 years last season and subsequently signed a new three-year deal with the club.
Reflecting on his departure from Feyenoord, Slot expressed his gratitude and emotional connection with the club, saying, “You can see people are genuinely sorry you are leaving. You can say that with words, but when you see it in people’s faces, it affects me quite a lot.”
Under Slot's leadership, Feyenoord had a strong season, winning the Dutch Cup and finishing second to PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. Liverpool captain and fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk has praised Slot’s attacking philosophy, noting that it aligns well with Liverpool’s style of play.
Initially, Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was the favourite to replace Klopp. However, Alonso decided to remain at Leverkusen after leading them to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
In Klopp's final season, Liverpool won the League Cup and finished third in the Premier League, securing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
