On Friday, the two clubs agreed in principle to Arne Slot's move from Feyenoord and he is poised to become Liverpool's next manager.
A compensation package has been under negotiation between Liverpool and Feyenoord ever since the former club made a formal move for the 45-year-old coach earlier this week. It can now be confirmed that both parties have agreed upon terms, with Feyenoord set to receive €9m (£7.7m) plus an additional €2m in incentives owing to their newly-appointed manager having two years remaining on his contract.
Ahead of Feyenoord's win at Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday, Slot publicly expressed his desire to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager. Talks between the club and his agent Rafaela Pimenta have reportedly gone well so far, with personal terms expected to be a formality. An official announcement confirming Slot's appointment could come soon after this point. Work permits permitting, it is likely that assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, head of performance Ruben Peeters and analyst Etiënne Reijnen will also join him in moving from Feyenoord to Anfield.
With the knowledge that several top European clubs were eyeing him this summer, Liverpool was quick to acquire Slot. They saw potential in his playing style, which closely resembles Klopp's approach on the field; and they admired his successful track record with Feyenoord where he won both the Eredivisie title and KVNB Cup in back-to-back seasons as well as enhancing young talent through development programs. The acquisition process for Slot led by Michael Edwards - Fenway Sports Group's newly appointed CEO of football- alongside upcoming sporting director Richard Hughes attracted attention from key stakeholders at Liverpool FC.
If Slot were appointed as his successor, Klopp stated that he would be entering the "best club in the world and the best job in the world."
On Friday, the departing Liverpool manager expressed that there is room for improvement since not ending on a high note could actually be beneficial. He commended the team and its members as being fantastic but clarified that he has no say in choosing his successor. However, if he were to choose someone, it would be a coach whose style reflects their desire to take on this challenge while also portraying good character traits like kindness; one who can bring success to the club—a sentiment eagerly shared by him.