Netherlands close to appointing Arne Slot as head coach; Liverpool to subsidize first-year salary

Holland appears close to securing its preferred candidate, Arne Slot (47), as the successor to former national coach Ronald Koeman — and Liverpool is reportedly clearing the path.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Liverpool is willing to top up Slot's salary during his first year as national coach so that he earns the same amount he did with the Reds. Slot's current contract with Liverpool runs until 2027.

If appointed, Slot could make his debut as Holland coach in the Nations League opener on September 24 in Amsterdam against Germany. It is also possible he will face his predecessor at Liverpool, future national coach Jürgen Klopp.

Slot Took Over Liverpool After the Klopp Era

Slot joined the English record champions in summer 2024 following Klopp's departure and won the Premier League in his debut season. However, his second year proved significantly more disappointing:

• Liverpool finished fifth
• The club ended the season without a trophy
• The Dutchman subsequently parted ways with the club
• Andoni Iraola was appointed as the new coach at Anfield Road

Path to National Team Role

Initial talks between the Dutch football association and Slot are reported to have already taken place. With Liverpool now also clearing the way, a quick reunion with some familiar faces could follow: at Oranje, Slot would work again with his former Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

The vacancy arose after Holland's disappointing World Cup exit in the round of 32 against Morocco (3–4 on penalties). Koeman immediately announced his resignation, stating:

"We all dreamed of a World Cup where we would make history. That did not succeed. No one is more disappointed about it than I am. As a national coach, you bear that responsibility. I have always felt it and will always feel it."