Nicky Hayen tipped as possible Liverpool successor amid praise from Rob Edwards
Liverpool’s managerial succession is rarely far from the spotlight, and while Arne Slot remains firmly backed by the club’s hierarchy, one name has emerged from a surprising source as a potential future replacement — Nicky Hayen.
Rising reputation of Nicky Hayen
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has been quietly building an impressive résumé in European football. His work in Belgium has drawn growing admiration, and now a notable voice has publicly linked him to one of the biggest jobs in world football.
Rob Edwards, the owner of Haverfordwest County and former associate of Hayen during his brief tenure in Wales, recently told Sport that he believes the 45-year-old could take over from Arne Slot at Liverpool “within two years.”
Edwards described Hayen as a “workaholic” with a “special aura” who knows how to connect deeply with his players. “I think Nicky Hayen will replace Arne Slot as Liverpool manager within two years,” he said, underlining the Belgian’s growing reputation in managerial circles.
Success story in Belgium
Hayen’s managerial journey has been defined by steady progress and tactical clarity. At Club Brugge, his results speak for themselves. He has recorded 50 wins in 81 matches, overseeing a free-flowing side that has netted 164 goals — an average of just over two per game.
His impact on the Belgian champions has been transformative. Last season, he guided Brugge to a domestic double and took them to the last 16 of the Champions League, eliminating then-Europa League holders Atalanta along the way. Those achievements, coupled with his attacking brand of football, have not gone unnoticed.
For many Liverpool fans, Hayen’s name might not yet be familiar, but the parallels with Arne Slot’s own career path are difficult to ignore. Two years before taking charge at Anfield, Slot was leading Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final — a step on the ladder that propelled him to one of Europe’s elite benches.
Slot remains secure despite brief turbulence
Despite a difficult spell in October, when sections of social media grew restless after a run of poor results, Slot retains the full backing of Liverpool’s leadership. Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano reaffirmed that the Dutchman continues to enjoy “complete trust” from those in power at Anfield.
Slot’s record speaks volumes. In his debut Premier League campaign, he delivered the title — an achievement that instantly placed him among Liverpool’s most successful modern managers. His work in reshaping the squad and instilling a fresh tactical identity has also been widely praised.
Recent results have helped steady the narrative. The Dutchman received an outpouring of support from Anfield during the 3–1 win over Aston Villa, as fans chanted his name in the first half — a public show of belief after a testing run.
Hayen’s future and Slot’s ongoing vision
For all of Hayen’s promise, Liverpool are not currently entertaining any managerial changes. Slot’s project remains central to the club’s long-term strategy, and those within the club see him as the right man to guide the next phase of the post-Klopp era.
Still, the admiration for Nicky Hayen from those who have worked with him is noteworthy. Should his trajectory continue, and if he maintains his current level of success in Belgium and Europe, speculation linking him with top clubs — including Liverpool — will only intensify.
For now, though, Arne Slot’s position is secure, and Liverpool supporters can take confidence in a manager whose ideas, energy and ambition continue to shape the club’s next great chapter.
