Liverpool in talks over shock appointment as Arne Slot contacts ex-Everton defender

Former Everton centre-back Johnny Heitinga has revealed that he is in talks over an unexpected move to Liverpool to join Arne Slot's coaching team.

Before hanging up his boots in 2016, the 40-year-old was perhaps best remembered for his five-year spell at Goodison Park from 2009 to 2014, where he played 140 times for the Toffees and scored five goals.

While on the books at Everton, Heitinga was a stalwart of the Netherlands national team and started all of their games in their run to the 2010 World Cup final, where he was sent off in extra time as Oranje lost 1-0 to Spain.

The Dutchman - who also represented Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Hertha Berlin during his playing heyday - immediately transitioned into coaching upon his retirement, holding a multitude of positions at Ajax.

Heitinga progressed to become caretaker manager of the Amsterdam giants' first team for the second half of the 2022-23 season and impressed in the dugout, winning 14 of his 22 games in charge before returning to England with West Ham United.

The 40-year-old served as David Moyes's assistant throughout the 2023-24 campaign, helping the Hammers reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League and EFL Cup, but he left at the end of the season to explore other opportunities.

© Reuters

Heitinga "approached" by Liverpool as Slot revolution continues

Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Heitinga revealed that he had been approached to join the Liverpool backroom staff as part of Slot's reshuffle, and discussions are ongoing with his agent.

"All I can say now is that I have been approached and that my agent Rob Jansen and I are in discussions," the ex-Netherlands defender told the publication.

While Slot and Heitinga have never worked together at a coaching level, the report adds the latter was under the wing of a mutual connection - Marcel Keizer - at Ajax.

Keizer also joined forces with Slot at Feyenoord, helping the now-Liverpool boss develop his successful philosophy, and Heitinga has apparently "embraced" the same coaching vision.

Upon Jurgen Klopp's exit last season, assistants Vitor Matos, Peter Krawietz, John Achterberg and Pep Lijnders - who is now the manager of Red Bull Salzburg - departed alongside him.

Slot has already welcomed assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte and physical performance coach Ruben Peeters to Anfield for his debut campaign.