Arne Slot to add Barcelona legend to his coaching staff?! Liverpool close in on replacement for John Heitinga after Dutchman's departure for Ajax

According to The Times, Liverpool are closing in on van Bronckhorst, who has recently had spells as head coach at Rangers, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Besiktas, ultimately departing from the Turkish outfit back in November. With Heitinga appointed as head coach at Dutch giants Ajax, there's a spot at Anfield to be filled, and there aren't many stronger candidates than van Bronckhorst.

There are clear parallels between the careers of Van Bronckhorst and Slot, with both managers coming from the Netherlands, managing Feyenoord early in their careers and winning impressive Eredivisie titles with the club (the former in 2017, the latter in 2023). While Slot never played for his country, he seems to appreciate having the know-how of experienced former Dutch international players beside him in the dugout, as this latest Liverpool appointment reflects.

After news emerged of Heitinga's Ajax move, speculation surrounding the Reds' next assistant began heating up, with former Liverpool winger Dirk Kuyt linked with the job. Ultimately, Kuyt's agent was forced to come out and deny the rumours, telling one Dutch podcast, "it will be a different assistant coach. That would have been great for him. Liverpool’s assistant will be someone else."

It will be hard for Slot to top his opening season in the Premier League; what was expected to be a transitional campaign turned into a triumphant one with Liverpool storming to the league title and finishing 10 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Arsenal. A cleverly managed squad refresh will be crucial if they are to challenge again next season, and if the club can secure the signing of Florian Wirtz, they will remain strong contenders.