(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 23 March 2026 8:30, UK

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Liverpool will face a “big” financial blow if they do not qualify for the Champions League and it would also result in Arne Slot being sacked.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Liverpool’s winless streak in the Premier League extended to three games after defeat at Brighton.

The Reds have allowed the chasing pack to catch up in the race for fifth place, which is likely to end up being the final Champions League spot.

Supporters are starting to turn against Slot amid their struggles even to qualify for the Champions League just 12 months on from winning the Premier League title by a 10-point margin.

Liverpool’s matchday and broadcast revenue would drop if they are not in the Champions League next season, whilst it may have an effect in the transfer market.

Liverpool fans ‘going against’ Arne Slot

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Liverpool are in a “risky” position.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Slot would be sacked if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It certainly is looking difficult now to get Champions League, although it’s by no means certain that they may do, they may not, but it’s certainly risky.

“And that would have a big impact on revenues. And I think his head would definitely go for that reason. He will be sacked. 

“But even if he doesn’t go now, it seems that the mood music is going against him.”

Liverpool identify Arne Slot replacement

Sources have told Football Insider that Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness could replace Slot at Liverpool if the Dutchman is sacked.

Hoeness has impressed Liverpool during his time at Stuttgart, although the 43-year-old will not be at the top of their list of targets.

Stuttgart are currently fourth in the Bundesliga table, with Hoeness leading them into the Champions League in the 2023-24 campaign.