“Here we go getting closer” – Romano confirms Liverpool on the verge of first major deal

Andoni Iraola now looks increasingly likely to become Liverpool’s next head coach, with talks between his camp and the club moving in a very positive direction.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano claimed conversations between Liverpool’s hierarchy and Iraola are “advancing very, very, very well,” with a famous “here we go” now getting closer.

The deal is not officially complete yet, but the expectation is clearly building that the Spaniard will replace Arne Slot at Anfield.

Romano has also reported that Iraola is set to become Liverpool’s next manager.

Andoni Iraola is on his way to Liverpool

“The conversations between Liverpool hierarchy and Iraola are advancing very very very well with a ‘here we go’ getting closer.

“It’s just about the length of the contract, the salary, they are discussing but the agreement is very close. And so Iraola is fully expected to become the next Liverpool boss.

“And don’t forget that Iraola has a very good connection with Richard Hughes, the Liverpool director, who used to work at Bournemouth. Knows Iraola very well, knows his style, knows how he plays.”

Those are still important points, of course, but they do not sound like deal-breaking issues.

The wider agreement is said to be very close, and Liverpool seem to have settled on Iraola as their preferred candidate.

It is easy to understand why. Liverpool need a fresh start after Slot’s exit, and Iraola’s style feels much closer to the kind of football Anfield usually connects with.

His Bournemouth side played with energy, aggression and bravery, and he helped turn them into one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams.

The Guardian described Iraola as a coach who could help Liverpool rediscover their swagger after a difficult season.

Spaniard would be ideal for the Merseyside club

The Richard Hughes connection is also a major factor. Hughes worked with Iraola at Bournemouth and knows his personality, training methods and tactical ideas.

That kind of familiarity matters when a club is making such a big appointment.

Liverpool are not just hiring a coach from the outside, they are bringing in someone their sporting director already understands.

Slot’s departure has left Liverpool needing quick clarity. He has already said farewell after a turbulent second season, having previously delivered the club’s 20th league title.

Liverpool now want their new head coach in place quickly so he can help shape a big summer rebuild.