Feyenoord coach Arne Slot has been confirmed as the new Liverpool manager, replacing Jurgen Klopp, the Premier League club announced on Monday.
Liverpool’s statement revealed that the 45-year-old Dutchman would officially assume the role of head coach on June 1, pending a work permit.
Although the club did not disclose the length of his contract, Sky Sports reported that Slot had signed a three-year deal.
Slot’s appointment had been widely anticipated, with Liverpool reportedly agreeing to a compensation package worth up to £9.4 million ($12 million) with Feyenoord.
He confirmed his move to Anfield during his final pre-match press conference at the Eredivisie club on Friday.
Jurgen Klopp, who announced his departure in January, managed his final game on Sunday, leading Liverpool to a 2-0 victory against Wolves.
In his farewell speech to the Anfield crowd, Klopp urged fans to support Slot wholeheartedly.
“You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me,” Klopp said. “You go all-in from the first day. And you keep believing and you push the team.”
Slot began his managerial career at AZ Alkmaar before moving to Feyenoord in 2021. He led the team to the Europa Conference League final in his first season, narrowly losing 1-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
He then secured a league title for Feyenoord, their second in 24 years, and signed a new three-year contract.
Reflecting on his departure from Feyenoord, Slot said, “You can see people are genuinely sorry you are leaving. You can say that with words, but when you see it in people’s faces, it affects me quite a lot.”
Under Slot’s leadership, Feyenoord enjoyed a strong season, winning the Dutch Cup and finishing second in the league behind PSV Eindhoven.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, also a Dutchman, praised Slot’s attacking style, saying it aligns well with Liverpool’s philosophy.
Initially, Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was considered the favorite to succeed Klopp.
However, Alonso decided to stay at Leverkusen after leading them to their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Klopp’s final season saw Liverpool winning the League Cup and finishing third in the Premier League, securing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
