Andoni Iraola has reached a verbal agreement to become Liverpool's next manager – a step that history suggests carries immense risk.
Moving from a successful Premier League side to one of the so-called 'big six' has proved a graveyard for managers. David Moyes lasted 10 months at Manchester United after being hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson. Roy Hodgson, appointed in July 2010 after leading Fulham to the Europa League final, was gone by January with Liverpool 12th in the league. At Tottenham, Nuno Espirito Santo managed just 10 games, Thomas Frank only 26. Graham Potter's Chelsea reign ended after 22 league matches. Mark Hughes spent about 18 months at Manchester City.
“Andoni Iraola agrees Liverpool move while former striker Darwin Nunez wants Anfield return after Al-Hilal exit.”
Iraola arrives after guiding Bournemouth to sixth place – ironically the position of a 'big-six' club. The data shows short tenures, mixed results and no major silverware for managers who make this leap. The scrutiny can be instant.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also being linked with a familiar face. Darwin Nunez, who left Anfield last summer for Al-Hilal in a €53m (£46.3m) deal, is reportedly keen on a return. The Uruguay international endured a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia – he was brutally axed from the squad in February to accommodate the January signing of Karim Benzema. Claims have emerged that he has terminated his contract with Al-Hilal, and Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports Nunez would like to rejoin Liverpool.
In an interview earlier this year, Nunez said: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss them. The truth is, they made me feel very welcome, and my family too. During some difficult times I went through personally, the people always gave me that affection, that support, and that was very important to me, and obviously I miss Liverpool.”
But the forward's former club are not the only suitors. Xabi Alonso's arrival at Chelsea has resulted in the Stamford Bridge club being interested, while Barcelona and Newcastle United are also mentioned as possible destinations.
For Iraola, the challenge is clear: buck a trend that has claimed many predecessors. For Nunez, the path back to Anfield is complicated – but his desire is evident.