Arne Slot has expressed his desire to depart Feyenoord and assume the mantle of succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, with negotiations between the two clubs expected to reach a resolution in the near future.
Liverpool initiated discussions with Feyenoord after identifying Slot, 45, as their preferred candidate to fill the vacancy left by Klopp, who announced his departure from Anfield after nearly nine years at the helm.
Slot, who signed a three-year contract with Feyenoord last year following a successful stint that culminated in an Eredivisie title, has openly acknowledged his aspiration to make the leap to the Premier League with Liverpool.
In an interview with ESPN Netherlands ahead of Feyenoord‘s Eredivisie fixture against Go Ahead Eagles, Slot revealed his eagerness for the move. “The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations,” he stated. “And then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out. It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool. Now I’m waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I’m very confident in that.”
Sources close to the situation have disclosed to ESPN that Feyenoord is seeking a compensation package of £9 million for Slot. Despite the financial aspect of the negotiations, Slot remains optimistic about the prospect of a swift resolution. “The clubs have to do their job,” he remarked. “And then I’m waiting and as the ‘main character.’ I have to respect that. It will undoubtedly become clear in the coming days.”
Following Feyenoord’s 3-1 victory over Go Ahead Eagles, Slot provided further insight into the negotiations, indicating progress towards a potential agreement. “I have the impression that a good offer has already been made and that Feyenoord can make, as it seems, the best-paid transfer for a coach in The Netherlands,” he disclosed.
Slot emerged as the frontrunner for the Liverpool job following Xabi Alonso’s decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen and a shift in the club’s interest away from Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk weighed in on Slot’s potential appointment, expressing confidence in his compatriot’s suitability for the role. “I find it difficult to answer it now, of course,” van Dijk acknowledged. “But I think Arne Slot might be one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment. I think [with] the way he plays and the philosophy he has that he could be a Liverpool coach.”
As negotiations progress and anticipation mounts, the footballing world awaits the outcome of the discussions between Feyenoord and Liverpool, with Slot poised to potentially embark on a new chapter in his managerial career on Merseyside.
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