Liverpool begin replacement search for key Anfield figure in Arne Slot blow
Arne Slot has had a successful first year at Liverpool, earning the Reds their 20th league title.
This season was incredible for Liverpool in Slot’s first year in charge, guiding the Reds to the Premier League title after narrowly missing out last season and in 2021/22.
Liverpool are already the bookmakers’ favourites for the 2025/26 Premier League title, with the best odds at 21/10.
Slot will be hoping he can continue the team’s success into the new season, after securing the future of Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as they both signed new contracts.
However, a potential departure within the coaching staff could damage their current momentum.
Liverpool braced for John Heitinga departure
John Heitinga has been linked with a potential exit from Merseyside this summer, having joined Slot’s team as assistant coach last summer from West Ham United.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared on X (27 May) that Heitinga is set to hold discussions with Ajax.
“Liverpool gives permission to John Heitinga for talks with Ajax as negotiations to become the new head coach are advanced,” Romano posted.
The Dutchman would be returning to his coaching origins, having started his career coaching with the Ajax youth teams, before a brief spell as interim manager of the first team.
Ajax manager Francesco Farioli resigned after missing out on the title by one point, despite holding a nine-point lead with seven matches to go.
Heitinga would have the opportunity to show his coaching expertise with Ajax in the Champions League next season.
Romano also highlighted that the Reds are preparing for the departure, as he added: “Liverpool have begun the process of looking at replacements if the Heitinga deal goes through, as looks likely.”
Slot’s next big test is to bring stability at Anfield
Slot passed his first test: winning the league in his debut season. However, he now faces more upheaval and disruption which could damage next season’s campaign.
If Heitinga departs, it will be the first real shake-up behind the scenes under Slot, and Liverpool’s reaction will need to bring stability to their long term vision.
Finding a replacement for the assistant coach role, who fits in with Slot’s philosophy will be crucial to the pre-season preparation.
More turmoil is predicted as key players are expected to depart Merseyside this summer, with Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliot all linked to make a move.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also made his last appearance at Anfield, choosing to depart his boyhood club.
With potential departures on and off the pitch, how Slot and the club navigate the transition period will be an essential challenge to define the next era for Liverpool.