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A year can feel like an eternity in the world of football.
At the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, Arne Slot appeared untouchable. The Dutch tactician had everything going his way, having steered Liverpool to only their second Premier League championship in his debut season in charge.
A record-setting summer had analysts forecasting a potential era of dominance for the Merseyside club, but those sky-high expectations ultimately played a role in Slot's rather grim downfall at Anfield.
He leaves Liverpool with his Premier League winners' medal firmly in hand, yet with a somewhat tarnished reputation. Slot became progressively unpopular among both players and fans by the time his tenure came crashing to an end, just one week after the 2025–26 domestic campaign wrapped up.
Nevertheless, the 47-year-old is unlikely to struggle finding work. Slot remains a highly attractive managerial prospect, and several clubs are sure to at least consider making a move this summer, provided he's eager to return to the dugout promptly.
Here are four possible next destinations for the outgoing Liverpool manager.
AC Milan
A disappointing title challenge ended in a dreadful collapse late in an ultimately forgettable 2025–26 season for AC Milan. Massimiliano Allegri's methods have grown stale, and Rossoneri supporters endured considerable frustration as a consequence.
As a result, Milan have opted for a fresh start. Failing to secure Champions League football, given their strong position midway through the season, made Allegri's situation untenable, and he is just one of several prominent figures shown the door.
Slot was linked with the vacant Milan position shortly after his Liverpool exit. No clear frontrunner had emerged in the search to replace Allegri, though a Premier League title-winning coach may be exactly the profile they're targeting.
Milan will be looking to modernize with their next managerial hire, and while Slot's style can be somewhat pragmatic, his sides, when firing on all cylinders, at least demonstrate a clear and coherent approach to possession-based play.
It would be a significant challenge for Slot, given Milan's storied prestige, and perhaps an opportunity too compelling to pass up.
Bayer Leverkusen
Another club undergoing a rebuild this summer is Bayer Leverkusen, though their situation is far less dire than Milan's.
The German outfit quickly recognized the costly mistake of appointing Erik ten Hag a year ago, replacing him with former Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand just a few weeks into the campaign.
Hjulmand performed adequately in the role, guiding the 2023–24 Bundesliga invincibles to the Champions League round of 16 and a sixth-place domestic finish. Consequently, they will compete in the Europa League next season.
Hjulmand was always viewed as a temporary solution. Leverkusen are now in search of their next Xabi Alonso. Could Slot be the answer? The club had reportedly targeted Liverpool-bound Andoni Iraola, while Oliver Glasner is also said to be on their radar.
Slot will undoubtedly now be in the conversation given his availability, and while Leverkusen represent a step down from Liverpool and Milan, the Dutchman would take charge of a talented squad with real potential to challenge at the top once more.
Ajax
Speculation about Slot returning to his home country had been circulating weeks before Liverpool let him go. The 47-year-old has been connected to the Ajax vacancy, having previously helped the Eredivisie shift power away from the Amsterdam club during his time at Feyenoord.
Slot earned the Liverpool job on the strength of an impressive spell with Ajax's fiercest rivals, claiming the league title in 2022–23 — Feyenoord's second championship of the 21st century.
A switch to the Johan Cruijff ArenA would certainly not be welcomed in Rotterdam, though a number of high-profile managers have previously crossed the Klassieker divide.
The 2025–26 season was nothing short of chaotic for Ajax, with three different managers tasked with stabilizing the club following Francesco Farioli's departure after their title implosion the previous campaign.
They have reportedly approached Michel as a potential next head coach, but Slot's sudden availability could prompt a rethink.
Dutch National Team
The Netherlands head coaching role has largely alternated between Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman in recent times, with the latter currently overseeing their World Cup campaign in North America this summer.
The Oranje, who have never lifted the World Cup and are often associated with near-misses, reached the semifinals at Euro 2024 and could be dark horses at the upcoming tournament.
Regardless, Koeman's contract runs out at the end of July, and Van Gaal returning for another stint seems highly unlikely. A new face is needed.
Koeman's World Cup backroom team features several Dutch football legends, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, and he could emerge as a candidate to take over the role once the tournament concludes.
Slot has not yet been linked with the national team position, and it would come as a surprise if he stepped away from club management at this stage of his career.