(Football news) The 45-year-old, who said a few weeks ago that he was interested in the position, is reportedly close to taking over as manager of Anfield from Jurgen Klopp for the 2024–25 season and beyond.
Feyenoord and Slot have a contract that runs until the summer of 2026. However, it is believed that the two teams have come to an understanding about a compensation payment that will start at £7.7 million and might increase to £9.4 million.
Feyenoord lost their Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven over the weekend, but Slot, the former manager of AZ Alkmaar, led his team to victory with a 5-0 thumping of PEC Zwolle.
At full time, Slot appeared to be bidding farewell to the Rotterdam crowd, and prior to Sunday’s Eredivisie showdown, the 45-year-old briefly watched the start of Liverpool’s 4-2 Premier League success over Tottenham Hotspur.
Neither Liverpool nor Feyenoord have officially confirmed Slot’s move, but speaking to the press after Sunday’s victory, the Dutchman suggested that an announcement is not too far away and claimed that he simply had to listen to the ‘opportunity’ he was presented with.
“I saw a few minutes of the game but we had to come to the stadium,” Slot said, referring to Liverpool’s beating of Tottenham. “Just the first goal, a great goal. It was a good win from Liverpool. If the official confirmation is there, and I go there, I will watch a lot of games from them.
“Sometimes in life, opportunities come along and you have to listen. I have made that choice for myself. In the next days and weeks, you will see the announcement. Last year I made the choice to stay and now, I probably made another choice.”
Slot was head-hunted by Tottenham Hotspur last year as a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, but the Feyenoord boss opted to stay put in Rotterdam as Spurs hired Ange Postecoglou instead.
The Australian cut a forlorn figure as Liverpool stormed to victory on Sunday, though, leaving them mathematically still in with a chance of winning the Premier League title with two games left to play.
With Slot virtually through the Anfield doors, sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards – now the CEO of Football at Fenway Sports Group – will soon be able to switch their focus to a pivotal summer transfer window.
Slot’s arrival from Feyenoord will naturally raise speculation that he could bring one or two of his current Rotterdam troupe with him, and a couple of defenders spring to mind as the Reds eye a rearguard shake-up.
Slovakian centre-back David Hancko – a threat in both boxes – is on the radar of Liverpool, according to his agent, while Lutsharel Geertruida was seen in attendance at the Reds’ 2-2 draw with West Ham United two weekends ago.
Left-back Another defender who has advanced significantly under Slot is Quilindschy Hartman, 22, but he is presently recovering from a serious knee injury that may jeopardize his prospects of making a summer transfer.
Although striker Santiago Gimenez is a sought-after player, Mats Wieffer and Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, might also bolster Liverpool’s midfield. However, acquiring a new number nine this summer will not be a top priority for Liverpool.
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