Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Fri 22 May 2026 11:49, UK

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Andoni Iraola has become the odds-on favourite to be the Liverpool manager for the start of the 2026-27 campaign in a dramatic new twist.

Arne Slot is under heavy pressure going into the last game of the season, and a defeat to Brentford could see the Reds miss out on Champions League football.

A run of three Premier League matches without a win has seen increasing calls for the manager to be sacked, despite guiding the club to a Premier League title just last season.

Now, outgoing Bournemouth manager is the favourite to be in charge of Liverpool for the new campaign at 8/13, having lower odds than Slot at 13/8 after they were slashed.

Iraola could pip Liverpool to Champions League football on the final day of the season, which could be enough to award the manager the job at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola Liverpool’s best option

Slot has been linked with the sack at Liverpool throughout 2026, but despite a series of poor defeats, he has remained in the role.

Xabi Alonso had been the heavy favourite to take over at Anfield for a long time, but has since been appointed Chelsea manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

As a result, if Liverpool did opt to sack Slot at the end of the season, Iraola is likely the best option available.

The 43-year-old has performed miracles at Bournemouth, transforming them from a relegation-threatened side to potentially a Champions League outfit in just three seasons.

The next incredible chapter of this football club is written ❤️

We’ll be in Europe for the first time in our 127-year history next season 🌎

On to Sunday for one final push to find out which competition 💪 pic.twitter.com/BSNmpgTtGU

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 19, 2026

On top of this, the work he has performed with several stars has been excellent, with players such as Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen going on to play for Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Therefore, there is every chance Iraola could be a success at Liverpool if brought in.

What are the chances Liverpool sack Arne Slot?

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has exclusively told Football Insider that he is uncertain that Slot is the right man to lead Liverpool into the 2026-27 campaign.

Question marks are reportedly once again coming in from the top about Slot’s position, and it is still not certain that he will be at the club next season.

The Dutchman has faced scrutiny from his own players, including Mohamed Salah, who believes the club need to return to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear.”

After losing support from players and parts of the fanbase, Wyness believes that a change in the dugout could be needed.