“I Went Straight to Arne Slot After the Final Whistle” – Bournemouth Boss Iraola Reveals Liverpool Star Who Left Him Stunned
The fallout from Liverpool’s thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth has taken an unexpected twist after Cherries manager Andoni Iraola admitted he was blown away by the performance of one Reds player — so much so that he immediately approached Arne Slot with a bold request.
Speaking after the game, Iraola revealed:
“After the final whistle I went straight to Arne Slot to ask if I could take him on loan this season. He hasn’t given me any answer yet, but that type of player is exactly what I’m looking for in my team.”
According to reports, the player in question is Harvey Elliott, who came off the bench to swing the game firmly in Liverpool’s favour. The young midfielder’s energy, vision, and composure in possession lit up the Vitality Stadium, leaving Bournemouth’s defence struggling to contain him.
Sources close to the club suggest Iraola has long been searching for a dynamic, fearless midfielder to inject creativity into his side, and Elliott’s cameo ticked every box. His relentless pressing and sharp decision-making perfectly aligned with the Spaniard’s high-intensity philosophy.
The revelation has only heightened intrigue around Arne Slot’s plans for Elliott this season. While Liverpool’s new manager has praised his squad depth, with a packed schedule across domestic and European competitions, it seems highly unlikely he will allow such a rising star to depart.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool fans on social media laughed off the idea of a loan move. One wrote: “No chance. Harvey Elliott is Anfield’s diamond.” Another added: “If Bournemouth want him, they’ll have to keep dreaming — Slot knows he’s a future star.”
Whether or not Iraola’s cheeky approach leads anywhere, one thing is clear: Harvey Elliott’s stock is climbing rapidly. To impress an opposition manager so much that he openly pleads for a loan after being defeated says everything about the 21-year-old’s growing influence.
Elliott’s dazzling display may prove a defining moment — the night he truly announced himself as one of England’s brightest young talents.
