Liverpool confirm Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp replacement in £9.4m Deal

Oluwasegun SanusiMay 21, 20241 Mins read278

Arne Slot/ Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool FC has officially announced the appointment of Arne Slot as their new manager, succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutchman will begin his role on June 1 after Liverpool agreed on a £9.4 million compensation package with Feyenoord last month. Slot, 45, has signed a three-year contract, binding him to Anfield until June 2027.

Slot’s arrival comes after an extensive search for Klopp’s successor. The German manager, who announced his departure in January, had informed the club of his decision at the end of 2023.

Liverpool was linked with several high-profile candidates, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, and soon-to-be former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi. However, Slot emerged as the preferred choice.

The Reds were particularly impressed by Slot’s achievements with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where he secured the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the Dutch Cup this season.

His coaching style, characterised by dynamic, high-energy, possession-based football, aligns well with Liverpool’s values and the current squad’s capabilities.

Additionally, Slot’s ability to overachieve with limited resources and his talent for developing young players were significant factors in Liverpool’s decision.

Slot confirmed his move during his final media activities as Feyenoord boss last week, stating,

“I can confirm that I will become the trainer there next season.”

Also, his appointment was celebrated by Klopp, who led Anfield in a song for Slot during his farewell speech on Sunday.

In his final address to Liverpool supporters, Klopp urged the fans to support the new manager fully.

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. Change is good. No one tells you to stop believing. This club may be in the best position ever. We decide if we are worried or excited. We decide if we believe. We decide if we trust or don’t trust, and since today, I am one of you, and I keep believing in you.

Slot’s immediate task will be to prepare for the upcoming season, bringing pre-season training forward for players not involved in international tournaments to the start of July.