Richard Hughes moves closer to making Arne Slot sack decision

Liverpool are experiencing a difficult second season under Arne Slot.

The 47-year-old arrived in 2024 from Feyenoord - signing a three-year contract to 2027. Results were extraordinary in his first season with the Reds winning the Premier League title in 2024/25.

But following a £450m summer transfer refit - including two British record deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak - things have gone south.

Liverpool find themselves in a fight just to re-qualify for the Champions League - leading to speculation over Slot’s future.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is conducting a review over Slot’s position - according to a report in Flashscore - with no definitive outcome in terms of the Dutch tactician’s future.

“Slot understands that sporting director Richard Hughes is leading a comprehensive analysis of the overall situation, weighing up team development, progression and performance data alongside the results,” the report reads.

“Multiple criteria are being applied and, at present, there is no definitive indication of the club’s direction beyond this season.”

Arne Slot contract: Situation summary

Arne Slot is approaching the business end of his first Liverpool contract with the club still weighing exactly how long to tie themselves to their chosen post‑Klopp project.

He signed an initial three‑year deal to 2027 when he arrived from Feyenoord in 2024, on a salary estimated at around £6.5m per year, putting him below several Premier League peers in pure pay despite delivering an instant title.

Talks over an extension began after that debut‑season Premier League win, with Liverpool keen to repeat the Jurgen Klopp “reward early” model, but the club’s stuttering 2025 form and a grim run that dropped his win rate sharply have complicated the timing.

A strong recovery in late 2025‑26 – stabilising results, progressing deep in the Champions League and keeping Liverpool in the top‑two bracket – would all but force FSG’s hand to formalise a longer deal and a pay rise, locking in continuity around their recruitment and playing style.

If performances dip again and anxiety returns to Anfield, the same 2027 end‑date that once looked like a formality for renewal suddenly becomes a pivot point, giving Liverpool the option to reassess the project rather than automatically extend it.

Analysis

It would appear vital to Slot’s future prospects to secure Champions League football. Liverpool are in a fight with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea - with a recent upturn in form providing a certain amount of optimism.

The Reds’ set-piece output has improved dramatically - and could offer the club a cutting edge in the race for Europe. And whether or not Slot manages to stay in the job could well be decided in the next crucial few weeks.

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