Report: How likely West Brom are to convince John Heitinga he should leave Liverpool and be their new manager

12/29/2024 05:00 AM

Liverpool are primed for another test of their title credentials on Sunday as they travel to face West Ham United.

With Arsenal and Chelsea not in action until next week, the Reds have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points.

For Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga, it will be an extra special occasion.

Heitinga was on the staff at West Ham last season as he learned the ropes under David Moyes.

After Moyes’ exit in the summer, the former Netherlands international joined the Liverpool coaching staff where he has been mightily impressive under Arne Slot.

And with Slot raving about Heitinga recently, his profile is on the rise. With the manager’s position now vacant at West Bromich Albion, the 41-year-old is reportedly in the frame to take the job.

John Heitinga being targeted by West Brom

Heitinga was something of a surprise appointment at Anfield over the summer. Given that he was an Everton player for five years, few had expected the move.

Nevertheless, based purely on his merits as a coach, it looks to have been a bit of a coup for Liverpool.

Now, according to The Times, Heitinga has a decision to make on whether or not he sees things through on Merseyside.

They claim that the former defender has been ‘placed on a list of managerial candidates’ by West Brom.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton predicts the scoreline for Premier League clash between Liverpool and West Ham United

The Baggies have lost Carlos Corberan to Valencia earlier this week and are reportedly pencilling Heitinga in as his replacement.

However, while it’s claimed that Heitinga would like to pursue a managerial career ‘when the time is right,’ West Brom are said to be facing a ‘battle’ to convince him to leave his post at Liverpool for the Hawthorns.

Stoke also in the mix for Heitinga

While it remains to be seen how hard West Brom will push for Heitinga, Rousing The Kop can reveal that fellow Championship side Stoke City are also interested in hiring the Liverpool coach.

Stoke currently sit 19th in the second division and sacked manager Narcis Pelach on Friday.

With Heitinga highly rated within the football world, it is no surprise to see him being linked with jobs while still at Liverpool.

For the time being, it is not known how attractive either the West Brom or Stoke jobs are to Heitinga.

However, Slot is likely to be keen to keep hold of the assistant he hired only five months ago.