Liverpool finalize preliminary agreement for Arne Slot’s transfer from Feyenoord as Klopp successor, surpassing Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso contenders

Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached a preliminary agreement regarding compensation for Arne Slot, who is set to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The Dutch manager led his team to their second Eredivisie title in 17 years last season. Liverpool’s extensive search process for a new coach began with Slot on the list of potential candidates from the outset. After thorough due diligence, he emerged as the top choice when all crucial criteria were taken into account. Xabi Alonso was also considered but ultimately opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen. Ruben Amorim, a coach with Sporting CP who generated external buzz around him, made Liverpool’s shortlist; however, he did not fit the current squad or philosophy implemented throughout all age groups at Anfield due to his playing approach and long-term vision. Financial reasons were dismissed as fiction regarding why Amorim was not selected over Slot. There has also been speculation that a meeting between West Ham officials and Amorim aimed to pressure Liverpool by showcasing other options, but the club had already determined Slot as the superior football fit beforehand, in addition to being an exceptional communicator and connector based on character references sourced for all candidates. On Thursday, Slot expressed confidence that a deal would be finalized soon, stating: “Everyone understands Feyenoord will want to receive as much money as they can get, but I feel like they won’t begrudge me this move.” The compensation package agreed upon is £7.7m ($9.53m) with an additional £1.7m ($2.08m) in add-ons.