Andoni Iraloa’s arrival at Liverpool will inevitably see the Reds linked with Bournemouth players, but who is actually a viable option?
The Basque coach has been confirmed as Liverpool’s new head coach, signing a two-year deal to replace Arne Slot.
Iraola arrives after a successful stint at Bournemouth, guiding the south coast outfit to sixth place in the Premier League in 2025/26.
The 43-year-old got the best out of his players, including Milos Kerkez before he joined Liverpool, leading to them attracting attention from bigger clubs.
Here are three Bournemouth players and two former Iraola favourites that the Reds could look to target.
Alex Scott
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's Alex Scott during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Player Profile: Alex Scott
Name: Alex Jay Scott
DOB: Aug 21, 2003 (22)
POB: Guernsey
Position: Central Midfielder
Total PL Apps: 80
PL Apps 2025/26: 37
Stronger Foot: Right
Value: £60m
Alex Scott has emerged as one of the most exciting English midfielders around, having found a new level this season.
Fresh off the back of winning the U21 European Championship with Harvey Elliott last summer, the 22-year-old started 34 out of 38 league games.
Scott showcased his box-to-box ability with the winning goal away to champions Arsenal and displayed the work ethic required to shine in an Iraola team.
It is easy to see him flourishing under his former manager at Liverpool, but will he sign a new deal at Bournemouth?
The Cherries want to offer him an extension, but Scott has a big decision to make if one of the Premier League big boys come calling.
He would be a great squad option for the Reds, with depth and legs badly needed at the heart of their midfield.
Junior Kroupi
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi scores his side's second goal to level the score 2-2 from a penalty-kick during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Player Profile: Junior Kroupi
Name: Eli Junior Eric Anatole Rainha Kroupi
DOB: June 23, 2006 (19)
POB: Lorient, France
Position: Forward
Total PL Apps: 33
PL Apps 2025/26: 33
Stronger Foot: Right
Value: £86m
Few youngsters caught the eye more in 2025/26 than Junior Kroupi, who was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award despite only arriving in January.
At just 19 years of age, the Frenchman netted 13 times in the league – only eight players scored more than him.
A price tag of nearly £100 million has reportedly been slapped on Kroupi, though, making a move to Liverpool feel unlikely.
Signing a central attacking player is less important than a winger, so the Reds may have to hold off for now and hope that he stays at Bournemouth for the next year at least.
But if Iraola is adamant that Kroupi can be a fantastic addition, justifying the money, it can’t be completely ruled out.
Rayan
Player Profile: Rayan
Name: Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha
DOB: Aug 3, 2006 (19)
POB: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Position: Right-Winger
Total PL Apps: 15
PL Apps 2025/26: 15
Stronger Foot: Left
Release Clause: £130m (2027)
Like Kroupi, Rayan only arrived at Bournemouth in the January transfer window but has already been attracting interest from afar – and there is a reason for that.
A left-footed right-winger, Rayan could be considered a long-term Mohamed Salah successor at Liverpool, having scored five league goals in 15 appearances for Bournemouth to date.
The 19-year-old has been named in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, which is a testament to his rise, and he arguably has a world-class ceiling.
Rayan would be a work in progress, however, so expecting fireworks from the off would be unfair, with a more proven option needed to replace Salah.
A move this summer seems highly unlikely as he has a £130m release clause that doesn’t kick in until 2027.
Dean Huijsen & Illia Zabarnyi
3A5WPTK Valencia, Spain. 23rd Mar, 2025. Spain's Dean Huijsen during UEFA Nations League, Round of 8, 2nd leg match. March 23, 2025. (ALTERPHOTOS/Ropero) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
There was a time when Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi formed the bedrock of Bournemouth‘s defence, only to join Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.
Huijsen was a regular for Madrid in his first season, which is no mean feat for a 21-year-old centre-back, while Zabarnyi featured in PSG’s Champions League final win over Arsenal last weekend.
Both players have been loosely linked with joining Liverpool in recent days, with another central defender paramount following the departure of Ibrahima Konate.
Huijsen could reportedly be allowed to leave Madrid, with Iraola himself speaking highly of his former player this time last year.
“You never want to lose this kind of player,” Iraola said.
“He has been very good for us but there is a part also that you feel happy for him because he goes to Real Madrid.
“I think it is what he really wanted to do and we hope everything goes well for him after these two games. I have no doubts he is ready for the jump.”
Meanwhile, Zabarnyi has been touted as an option, with the 23-year-old said to be open to the idea of leaving PSG for more regular playing time.
The Ukrainian completed 94.5 percent of his passes across 28 Ligue 1 appearances this season, so his ball-playing ability can’t be questioned too much.
Whether Huijsen or Zabarnyi end up at Liverpool remains to be seen, but their past relationship with Iraola can only be a good thing.