Arne Slot has confirmed his intention to move to Liverpool at the end of the season and take over as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
The 45-year-old manager came out on top after the Reds’ extensive search for a new boss following Klopp’s announcement in January that he intended to stand down at the end of the current campaign.
After Ruben Amorim’s whistle stop trip to the UK on Monday, the attention focussed on Slot, who led Feyenoord to the KNVB Beker (Dutch cup) at the weekend.
Slot has enjoyed a successful three-year spell in charge of the Rotterdam giants, winning the Eredivisie title last season and earning two Dutch manager of the year awards.
He has earned the plaudits for his brand of front-foot football and for developing players during his time in charge.
Liverpool are believed to have initially sought to appoint Xabi Alonso, but the Spaniard opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
Then Amorim, the Sporting CP manager, came into the frame but the trail has gone cold on the Portuguese.
Reports on Tuesday circulated among favoured reporters that Liverpool were interested in appointing Slot but added the caveat that it was far from a done deal.
Liverpool will have to agree a compensation package in negotiations with Feyenoord with Slot under contract until 2026.
It’s been reported that £9 million should be enough to secure his signature, although the initial indications are that the Reds have offered less than that.
“The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations,” Slot told ESPN NL before Feyenoord’s league game against Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday.
“And then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out.
“It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool. Now I’m waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I’m very confident in that.”
Slot was previously courted by Tottenham, coming close to being appointed last summer before the Lilywhites alighted on Ange Postecoglou.
Also reported to be interested were Chelsea and Leeds United with Slot turning down the chance to move to Yorkshire back in February 2023.
“The clubs have to do their job,” he added. “And then I’m waiting and as the ‘main character.’ I have to respect that. It will undoubtedly become clear in the coming days.”
