Published Jun 1, 2026, 1:53 PM GMT+1

Ben is an experienced sports writer and editor, graduating with a Master’s in Sports Journalism in 2017.

Ben counts experience with publications like The Liverpool Echo and The Lincolnshire Echo. He has covered various sports, from American football to Mixed Martial Arts, but his primary passion is football reporting.

Since joining Football FanCast in 2018, starting out as a freelance writer covering nearly every team in the English football ladder, Ben has progressed through the ranks. He now leads the publication’s news team as a senior editor.

Iraola leaves Bournemouth on a 19-match unbeaten run and having secured Europa League football, the club’s first ever European qualification.

The Cherries lost only seven league games all season on their way to sixth place - only title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City suffered fewer defeats. Liverpool lost 12 games despite finishing one place ahead of Bournemouth.

Across his three seasons in charge, Iraola’s sides finished 12th, ninth and sixth in the top flight, equalling and then surpassing their best Premier League finishes.

Bournemouth’s success has come despite frequently selling their best performers.

Last season alone, three of Iraola’s first-choice back four departed in pre-season with the club receiving a combined £144.5m in reported fees for Milos Kerkez - with whom Iraola could be reunited at Anfield - Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi. Antoine Semenyo then joined Manchester City in January.

Despite Iraola's impressive credentials, there are other candidates in the mix, with David Ornstein revealing Liverpool will hold talks with Pierre Sage.

Another popular name amongst Liverpool fans is PSG manager Luis Enrique, who has publicly stated his admiration for Anfield and its atmosphere, even standing on the Kop for a game after retiring as a player.

Fabrizio Romano has quelled rumours of a move however, revealing in his latest Youtube video that the chances of Enrique hijacking Iraola's seat are low due to PSG's plans to offer him a new deal.

"Someone is asking me if there is a possibility for Liverpool to go for Luis Enrique as the manager instead of Iraola," Romano said.

"My understanding is that Enrique is staying at PSG and will be part of the PSG project with a new contract in the near future."

Enrique joined an illustrious list of managers who have won three major European trophies with their victory over Arsenal at the weekend - a list which includes Liverpool legend Bob Paisley.

The Spaniard plays an attacking 4-3-3 formation much like Jurgen Klopp, requiring quick wingers who are elite ball-carriers and drift inside to chip in with goals.

Liverpool have begun negotiating personal terms with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande to fill exactly that role, but it sounds like Enrique won't be the one to work with him at Anfield.