Liverpool flop could replace Arne Slot at Feyenoord after taking lesson from Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool is closing in on the appointment of Arne Slot as its new head coach, with Jürgen Klopp bidding farewell to Anfield on Sunday. Slot suggested last week that his arrival at Liverpool could come 'in a matter of days', with a couple of issues needing to be resolved.

One of those hurdles now appears to have been overcome, with assistant Sipke Hulshoff stepping down from his role with the Dutch national side. His decision now clears him to join Slot at Anfield in the summer.

Feyenoord is believed to be identifying potential replacements as it bids to challenge for the Eredivisie title again next season. And reports suggest a former Liverpool player could in fact come in.

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According to Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad, checks have been made on Nuri Şahin. The 35-year-old is currently assistant with Borussia Dortmund and has helped Edin Terzić's side reach the Champions League final.

Şahin had previously been in charge of Antalyaspor, having ended his playing career with the Turkish side. He stepped down in 2023 to return to Dortmund, where he had two separate spells as a player.

He joined Liverpool on loan from Real Madrid in 2012 following Brendan Rodgers' appointment but failed to nail down a regular starting spot. The ex-Turkey international insisted his short time at Anfield was worth it, because he got to play alongside Steven Gerrard — but felt Rodgers didn't utilize him properly.

“Brendan Rodgers wanted me to play as a No 10. But I do not play behind the forwards,” he said (per the Liverpool ECHO). "I spoke with him and asked him why I was playing there. It is not my real position. The boss could not answer me... still, I am not sorry about it. To play in the red jersey and be in Anfield is something marvelous."

The midfielder made just 12 appearances in all competitions and Liverpool terminated his loan in the January transfer window, before returning to Dortmund under Klopp. Speaking to Sky Sports recently, he lauded the departing Reds boss and reiterated his own plans to return to management.

Şahin said: "Jürgen never spoke to you as a football player. He always spoke to you as a human being. I had that message on the wall of my office to remind me that I am not a coach of a football player, I am the coach of a human being. One day I will be back and it will not be in four or five years. I am very ambitious. I want to lead a team."

Liverpool.com says: Şahin is eager to get back into management and he would inherit a very strong squad at Feyenoord. Slot has guided his side to second place this term and the Dutch Cup, after last year's title win. If he is to be appointed, Şahin would be wary of his former club returning to snap up some talented players.