Andoni Iraola is set to be named as Liverpool's new head coach, and we take a look at the seven players who could depart as the Reds plan a major squad overhaul this summer
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
12:12, 04 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola has verbally agreed to take charge of Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has verbally agreed to take charge of Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool is edging closer to appointing Andoni Iraola as its new head coach after reaching a verbal agreement with the Spaniard.
The Reds have pinpointed the former Bournemouth manager as their preferred candidate to replace Arne Slot, who was fired following a disappointing defense of the Premier League title won so convincingly during his first season at the helm.
With Iraola having left the Cherries at the conclusion of the campaign, compensation will not present any complications. It is understood that he has been offered a two-year deal. Iraola is expected to bring Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper with him, his former assistants who are currently still at Bournemouth.
However, the full makeup of the coaching staff is yet to be confirmed, despite speculation linking ex-Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara with a return, having recently left the Barcelona coaching setup under manager Hansi Flick. Attention will then turn to the squad, with the futures of several players at Anfield having come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks.
Among those is Alisson Becker, with Juventus strongly linked with an approach despite Liverpool earlier this year triggering the option to extend the Brazilian goalkeeper's contract until the end of next season.
While Slot hinted the club may face a decision this summer, the Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds have always been keen for Alisson to stay, with sources in Brazil indicating the 33-year-old has opted to snub advances from Juventus and remain at Anfield for at least another season.
Alexis Mac Allister struggled at Liverpool last season
Alexis Mac Allister struggled at Liverpool last season(Image: Jack Thomas, Getty Images)
This development, however, could have implications for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has featured 20 times this campaign. There are suggestions that the goalkeeper's representatives have made him available on loan to Italian clubs.
Among Iraola's early priorities will be determining whether two midfielders figure in his long-term plans. Curtis Jones enters the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract and has attracted considerable interest from Inter Milan, which was unsuccessful in its bid to secure him on loan in January, while Turkish side Galatasaray is also keeping close tabs on the player.
Liverpool, acutely aware that this could be its last opportunity to recoup funds from the academy graduate, is demanding more than £30 million ($40 million) for his signature.
Harvey Elliott has returned from an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa, after the Europa League winner deliberately withheld sufficient appearances that would have triggered its obligation to sign him permanently.
With Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all departing on free transfers, Liverpool has been stripped of considerable experience, particularly within its defensive ranks.
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Joe Gomez, another player whose deal runs out next summer, could prove to be an invaluable squad member as the club's longest-serving player, with two of the other three senior center-backs — Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet — yet to feature in the Premier League.
A change in tactical approach under new manager Iraola could also revitalize Alexis Mac Allister, who endured a disappointing campaign in midfield. Mac Allister still has two years left on his deal, but unlike fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, he has not been offered new terms in recent months.
Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, have long been linked with potential exits from Liverpool this summer due to restricted playing opportunities under Slot's management.