Liverpool open negotiations with Feyenoord for Klopp successor – report

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Feyenoord to appoint Arne Slot as their next manager, according to The Times. 

The 45-year-old Dutchman is seen as the frontrunner to succeed Jurgen Klopp, who will step down at the end of the season. Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim is out of the running.

Slot’s stock has soared after guiding Feyenoord to Eredivisie title glory in the 2022/23 season and last weekend’s KNVB Cup triumph. 

His aggressive, high-pressing football, reminiscent of Pep Guardiola’s tactics, has impressed Liverpool’s hierarchy. Discussions are believed to centre around compensation, suggesting Slot is receptive to the move.

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Feyenoord want to keep their talented manager, whose contract runs until 2026, but Slot appears eager for a new challenge. 

A reported fee of less than €10 million could be enough to secure his release. Feyenoord declined to comment on Liverpool’s interest, with a pre-match press conference for Slot curiously cancelled.

Liverpool have been proactive in their search for Klopp’s successor. Slot’s impressive CV, featuring European success and player development, aligns with the vision of both FSG CEO of Football Michael Edwards and incoming sporting director Richard Hughes. 

Interestingly, Hughes signed players like Marcos Senesi and Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord during his time at Bournemouth.

Slot is no stranger to Premier League interest. Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur targeted him previously, and Chelsea reportedly held talks before appointing Mauricio Pochettino. 

His success on a smaller budget at Feyenoord has made him a coveted manager. His record at the club reads: 144 matches, 93 wins, 27 draws, and 24 losses. 331 scored 153 conceded.

Having impressed at AZ Alkmaar before joining Feyenoord, Slot led them to the inaugural Europa Conference League final in 2022, which they lost to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma. 

Liverpool see him as a strong candidate to continue their attacking brand of football in the post-Klopp era.

The Reds have been known for closing deals quickly, and it looks to be the same for the Feyenoord boss, with negotiations about to enter an advanced stage.