Andoni Iraola has arrived on Merseyside ahead of his appointment as Liverpool’s new head coach following the sacking of Arne Slot last weekend.
The Spaniard’s flight from San Sebastian landed at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Thursday morning, with Iraola expected to sign a two-year contract after already reaching a verbal agreement with the Reds.
Liverpool identified the 43-year-old as their preferred candidate after deciding to part company with Slot after two years in charge.
Andoni Iraola is available after leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, having guided the club to European qualification for the first time in their history.
Talks over the Anfield role have been led by sporting director Richard Hughes, who appointed Iraola during his time at Bournemouth before moving to Liverpool.
As a player, Iraola spent most of his career at Athletic Bilbao, while he also featured alongside Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso at youth level in San Sebastian.
He began his managerial career with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus before spells at Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano, guiding the latter to promotion to La Liga and a Copa del Rey semi-final.
Although Iraola has yet to win a major trophy as either a player or manager, his attacking, high-intensity style has earned widespread admiration.
Liverpool also considered Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness and Lens boss Pierre Sage, but ultimately viewed Iraola as the best fit to lead the squad into a new era.
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