Arne Slot turned down huge European club months before Liverpool sacking as dressing room reaction emerges

A new report has shed light on Arne Slot’s shock sacking by Liverpool, even claiming the Dutchman turned down a huge opportunity at a European club to stay at Anfield earlier this season.

Slot, who guided Liverpool to just a second Premier League title in 35 years in 2025, was sacked on Saturday (May 30), having seen the Reds finish fifth in the top flight this term.

Throughout the season, there were calls for a change in philosophy, with fans and even Mohamed Salah calling for a return to the all-action playing style of Slot’s predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.

The club confirmed the Dutchman's exit in a lengthy statement and made clear that the call was a “difficult decision” to make, while also thanking him for his commitment to the football club, as well as recognising the way in which he guided the club after Diogo Jota’s tragic death last summer.

Slot leaves Merseyside with a record of 66 wins, 18 draws and 29 defeats from 113 matches in charge and is one of two men to help Liverpool win the Premier League - alongside Klopp.

And despite the pressure from supporters, Slot’s departure comes as a surprise, with the former Feyenoord boss saying that he had “every reason to believe” he would remain Liverpool boss next season, earlier in May.

When pressed on the speculation surrounding his position, he said: "I don't think I am deciding that myself alone.

"I have every reason to believe that I am the Liverpool manager next season.

"First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all, from all the talks we are having."

Slot will reportedly receive a payout of around eight million euros, equal to nearly £7 million.

In the hours after his sacking, further details behind the decision emerged, with the Mail reporting that Slot was “surprised” by the news after being given the club’s support just last week.

The report also claims that the players are shocked by the decision, with many expecting him to lead the club during the 2026/27 campaign.

While Slot is already linked with the vacant AC Milan job following Massimiliano Allegri’s sacking, he is not eager to jump straight back into management, having turned down a chance to manage Ajax earlier this year.

Departing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is expected to replace Slot at Anfield, with Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Lens’ Pierre Sage and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeneß among the contenders.

Liverpool owners’ statement on Slot sacking

“That this was a difficult decision for us to make as a club goes without saying. The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful.

“As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field.

“From the moment that we first encountered Arne, it was immediately clear that he is an individual who does not merely accept responsibility, he embraces it. This was evident when he agreed to take over as head coach, when he guided us to the Premier League title and throughout the season just ended when he faced considerable challenges and burdens.

“At the same time, we have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but.

“We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our appreciation for Arne, who will always hold a special place in the history of this football club as the coach who delivered Liverpool’s 20th league title.

“That accomplishment – made all the more remarkable as it arrived in his very first season in charge – was built on outstanding coaching and leadership every single day.

“He also helped guide the club through one of the most difficult periods imaginable following the loss of Diogo. The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person

“As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come.

“Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.

“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”