Liverpool have reportedly approached a high-profile manager as uncertainty continues to grow around Arne Slot’s position.
Slot is under increasing scrutiny after overseeing his team’s sixth Premier League defeat of the campaign on Saturday. Their latest disappointment came in a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. With just 18 points from 12 matches, the Reds sit in the bottom half of the table and their hopes of retaining the Premier League title are effectively gone.
Following the defeat, Fabrizio Romano shared an update on Slot’s situation. If Liverpool were to dismiss him, the club would need to pay a substantial compensation package, as he remains under contract until 2027.
A number of potential successors have already been linked, and a new candidate has now surfaced. According to Bayern Space – the outlet that first broke news of Florian Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool last summer – sporting director Richard Hughes has contacted Julian Nagelsmann’s representative, Volker Struth, to enquire about future availability.
Struth maintains strong ties with Bayern Munich due to Nagelsmann’s ongoing relationship with the club. The report claims Bayern have been informed that Liverpool recently made an exploratory approach. The conversations were described as informal and precautionary, focused on understanding Nagelsmann’s long-term plans should the club move on from Slot.
However, Hughes has reportedly been told that Nagelsmann will not leave Germany before next summer’s European Championship under any circumstances. Depending on Germany’s performance, though, an early exit from his national team contract could be possible—particularly for a club with Liverpool’s stature.
There are also suggestions that Jurgen Klopp is encouraging Liverpool to pursue Nagelsmann, and whispers indicate that Klopp could even be considered to succeed him with the German national team.
Nagelsmann’s potential impact on Wirtz
Should Nagelsmann take over at Anfield, he may be able to revive Florian Wirtz’s form. The 22-year-old has struggled since his £116 million move to Liverpool after shining at Bayer Leverkusen last season. Nagelsmann, who coaches Wirtz for the national side, is thought to be capable of unlocking his full potential.
He has also defended the player amid widespread criticism, arguing that Wirtz has been let down by those around him. “Liverpool could help him by finishing the chances he creates,” he said of the midfielder’s performances. “They just don’t seem to want to shoot.”
