Should Andoni Iraola replace Arne Slot at Liverpool this summer he will have a major rebuild on his hands
Andoni Iraola during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola has been linked with the vacant Liverpool job(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Just 12 months after claiming the Premier League title, Arne Slot has been dismissed by Liverpool. While not an entirely unexpected development given the Reds' performances this season, it does mean the club face an even more significant summer than initially anticipated.
On the face of it, the task is straightforward: Liverpool must appoint a new manager. All indications suggest that will be Andoni Iraola, the departing Bournemouth boss. The 43-year-old Basque coach has made his mark with the Cherries through his brand of fluid and attacking football.
Should Iraola become Liverpool's 23rd manager in their illustrious history, he will be forced to make some crucial decisions. From replacing key figures to assembling a squad capable of competing across multiple competitions while re-establishing an identity on the pitch, we examine what the Reds' prospective next manager must address.
Replacing Mo Salah
By some distance the most formidable challenge of all and the number one priority is replacing the man who netted 257 goals for Liverpool. The legendary Egyptian has featured in his final match for the Reds as he pursues a fresh challenge elsewhere. RB Leipzig's 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande has been associated with Liverpool for some time and would represent a suitable, albeit inexperienced, replacement.
It appears that Leipzig's unwavering £87million valuation would be the price of any potential transfer. Other targets reportedly on the radar include PSG's Bradley Barcola and West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, who could be available at a reduced fee following the Hammers' relegation, yet neither carries the profile required to fill Salah's boots.
Liverpool could address their post-Salah dilemma by splashing out £100m-plus on Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. The former Crystal Palace man has been outstanding in the Bundesliga, netting 42 goals across two seasons in Germany, though Bayern's firm stance that the 24-year-old right winger is not available for transfer could prove a significant obstacle.
Bournemouth's Rayan crosses the ball for the opening goal against Newcastle United
Bournemouth's Rayan crosses the ball for the opening goal against Newcastle United(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Bournemouth's Rayan has been in scintillating form at the Vitality Stadium since arriving on the south coast in January. The 19-year-old Brazilian registered five goals and two assists, marking him out as one to watch.
Liverpool ought to dig into their pockets and at least attempt to tempt the Bundesliga giants with a substantial bid for Olise, as they did with Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle last summer for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak respectively.
Realistically, however, it is Rayan who would undoubtedly offer Iraola a youthful unpredictability on his right flank and would represent a considerably more affordable proposition.
Get stars firing again
While it's accurate that Iraola would need to conduct substantial summer reconstruction at Liverpool, he would inherit an array of talent already at his disposal. The Reds invested £450m in new signings last summer, to disappointing effect.
Isak and Wirtz represent £236m worth of talent, yet their combined output thus far amounts to just eight goals and five assists. Iraola must unlock Isak, restore him to full fitness and reignite his goalscoring form, while identifying Wirtz's optimal role in the team could prove a considerably tougher challenge.
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for an extended spell following a ruptured Achilles tendon, Isak can lead the line, with the German playmaker operating behind him where he's free to pull the strings and inject fresh impetus into the Reds' attack.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak of Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak must put their debut seasons behind them(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch require time to find their groove in a Liverpool shirt after appearing sluggish throughout the campaign, though offloading the former would raise transfer funds. Iraola must also reintegrate Curtis Jones, with the gifted midfielder reportedly considering his future at the club.
Losing Jones, a natural ball carrier, would represent a setback, with Liverpool already short of midfielders capable of retaining possession under pressure.
Finally, Milos Kerkez, whom Iraola knows well from their spell at Bournemouth together, has demonstrated promise this season. However, Liverpool's incoming manager must ensure the £40m acquisition establishes himself as first-choice left back following Andy Robertson's departure.
Centre-back signing
Ibrahima Konate looks set to depart Liverpool having failed to reach an agreement on a new deal. Defenders from across Europe, including Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, have been touted as potential arrivals who would bring considerable pedigree to the Reds' backline alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Schlotterbeck would prove the more obvious choice for Liverpool given his familiarity with a back four and his commanding presence in aerial battles. Iraola should prioritise securing his signature, even despite his recent contract renewal in Germany.
Nico Schlotterbeck gestures
Nico Schlotterbeck is of interest to several top clubs(Image: Getty)
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Nevertheless, Iraola will be aware that in Giovanni Leoni, and the soon-to-arrive Jeremy Jacquet, he possesses two of Europe's most promising young centre-backs. At some point next season, the pair ought to be fielded together to offer Iraola a glimpse of what lies ahead for Liverpool.
Liverpool and Iraola also face a growing concern between the sticks. While Alisson is expected to remain at Anfield for the time being, the Brazilian turns 34 this year and carries a worrying injury history. Doubts surrounding his understudy, Giorgi Mamardashvili, persist following a series of unconvincing displays this campaign, and moving him on appears a sensible solution.
PSG's 24-year-old Lucas Chevalier would be an astute acquisition as Alisson's backup. Although the French goalkeeper was dropped by Luis Enrique mid-season, he has shown enough quality and could benefit from a fresh challenge to reignite his career.
A raid on Bournemouth
While Bournemouth won't be pleased, there are numerous young prospects Iraola ought to bring with him to Anfield from the Vitality Stadium. A significant task facing the manager is establishing equilibrium in Liverpool's midfield and he need look no further than Alex Scott.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth
Alex Scott of Bournemouth(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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The deep-lying midfielder has demonstrated an ability to stay calm in possession and even netted four goals this season. Nevertheless, he could command around £60m and Liverpool would encounter competition from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
French talent Eli Kroupi Junior is fresh from an impressive season for Bournemouth, netting 13 goals, though he may be a target for another transfer window given Bournemouth's determination to retain him for another campaign. To complete his summer business, Iraola should opt for Scott, who would represent a more affordable option to Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.