New Era At Liverpool As Arne Slot Replaces Klopp

• Arne Slot is Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool
• Liverpool agreed to pay Feyenoord $11.7 million for his existing contract at the club, with a base amount of $9.6 million and potential add-ons
• He is expected to take the helm at Liverpool this summer

Arne Slot is a Dutch professional football manager who is the next Liverpool boss succeeding Jurgen Klopp. His successful seasons with Feyenoord made him the right candidate for leading Liverpool and they have agreed on a deal.

His achievements at Feyenoord were impressive and led them to the Europa Conference League final in 2022 and also secured a domestic double with the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup in the following season.

Jurgen’s exit at Liverpool leaves fans with mixed reactions. His successor’s appointment has excited some fans as they say that his attacking style and that of Klopp align while others are concerned about his lack of experience in the Premier League, considered one of the toughest leagues globally.

 In their deal, Liverpool agreed to pay Feyenoord $11.7 million for his existing contract at the club, with a base amount of $9.6 million and potential add-ons. This deal makes Slot one of the most expensive managers in Dutch history.

This compensation had to be done since Slot had an existing contract with Feyenoord and his official handover will likely happen after the conclusion of the current Eredivisie season, allowing Slot to finish his duties with Feyenoord.

Arne Slot biography

He was born in Bergentheim, Netherlands in 1978 and his football career journey began with VV Bergentheim. He then proceeded to FC Zwolle, where he showcased his technical skills as a central midfielder. Though injuries hampered his progress, he blossomed into a prolific goal-scoring midfielder.

Arne Slot. Photo/Anglo Celt

He had successful seasons at Zwolle before moving on to NAC Breda and Sparta Rotterdam. He then returned to Zwolle where he played for six seasons, before hanging up his boots in 2013.

Slot’s transition to a coach

After retiring from playing professional football, he started his coaching career with his former club FC Zwolle, managing the youth teams. He then became an assistant manager at SC Cambuur and briefly became a co-head coach alongside Henk de Jong.

In 2017, he joined AZ Alkmaar as an assistant manager, working under John van den Brom, who helped him gain experience at a higher level. Two years later, he was appointed as the team’s head coach.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season was cancelled and AZ were joint leaders with Ajax when the league was stopped. However, a short stint at Feyenoord at the end of that season saw him return to AZ for a brief period before officially taking the reins at the club the following year.

At Feyenoord, he guided them to the inaugural Europa Conference League final in 2022, showcasing his prowess on a European stage, and also helped deliver their domestic success, winning the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup double in the 2022/23 season.

Arne Slot’s personal life

Arne Slot was born on September 17, 1978, in Bergentheim, Netherlands. He had his early studies in the Netherlands but then focused on football. He began his professional playing career at 17, and pursuing higher education might not have been a priority.

When he started his career path in coaching, he began with youth teams and worked his way up the ranks, where formal education isn’t a typical requirement for his career path.

Arne Slot. Photo/The Athletic

He is married to his wife Mirjam and the couple has a son together.

Slot’s appointment as Liverpool’s next boss

Slot’s appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool is a great achievement for him, as he is leading a victorious team. Klopp transformed the club, winning a Champions League title, a Premier League title and numerous other trophies.

His impressive performance at Feyenoord caught Liverpool’s attention and his success leading them to a Europa Conference League final and a domestic double saw him be the right candidate for the task ahead.

The major reason why Liverpool settled on him could be because his focus on player development aligns with Klopp’s established strategy. The negotiations between Liverpool and Feyenoord resulted in a deal for Slot to take over from Klopp.

They paid a compensation package of $11.7 million to acquire his services since he has an existing contract with Feyenoord. The official handover is expected after the current Eredivisie season concludes.