Andoni Iraola new manager of Liverpool Football Club at Axa training centre
Andoni Iraola is hoping to strengthen the Liverpool squad (Image: Getty)
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola wants to make his mark in the transfer market. The Spaniard took over from Arne Slot in the dugout following the Dutchman's dismissal and, after a fifth-place finish, there is widespread agreement that reinforcements are needed on Merseyside. Iraola penned a contract lasting until 2028 and now has his sights firmly fixed on restoring the Reds' glories.
Liverpool invested more than £450million in an attempt to retain their Premier League crown last summer, including high-profile signings such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez strengthened their options at full-back, but Liverpool failed to reproduce the form that saw them win the title in 2024/25. Despite an underwhelming campaign overall, Slot still secured Champions League qualification. With Iraola now in charge, the 46-year-old is steering the club into a fresh chapter, and he may turn to familiar faces to maximise his chances of a successful reign.
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Among the names believed to feature on Iraola's shortlist is Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who flourished under his guidance. Earlier this week, talkSPORT reported growing links between Liverpool and the 23-year-old, with 'noise growing' around his future.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the highly-regarded midfielder. The Cherries are reluctant to part ways with their prized asset, however, and have slapped a hefty £80million price tag on him in a bid to deter potential suitors.
The south coast club have developed a reputation for cashing in on their brightest young talents for substantial profit, with Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi, Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo among those to have moved on. Scott could be the next high-profile departure as he seeks to force his way into Thomas Tuchel's England reckoning.
Iraola holds Scott in high regard, and the feeling appears to be reciprocated. When asked about Iraola's appointment last week, Scott said: "I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers. I would say he is similar to that. Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited."
It is yet to be determined whether Bournemouth's £80m valuation prices Scott beyond Liverpool's reach, though relations between the two clubs are understood to be reasonably strong.
Sporting director Richard Hughes previously held a position at the Vitality Stadium prior to his move to Liverpool and played a key role in appointing Iraola as well as bringing in Kerkez last summer.
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Bayer Leverkusen's English defender #04 Jarell Quansah celebrates scoring the equalising goal 1:1 during the German first divisi
Liverpool already have an agreement in place to bring back Jarell Quansah (Image: Getty Images)
£55m agreement in place
Liverpool are not panicking about the immediate requirement for a replacement this summer after Ibrahima Konate's departure. It's understood that the Reds may assess their centre-back options during the window but with numerous other positions to strengthen, young pair Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet have a big part to play this season.
Another card they hold is the clause included in Jarell Quansah's contract when he departed for Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old has thrived in his maiden campaign in the Bundesliga and earned selection in Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the World Cup.
Liverpool retain the right to re-sign Quansah for £55m this summer as part of the arrangement to sell him, which would represent a £20m loss on the fee they banked 12 months ago. But considering his homegrown credentials and ability to also play at right-back, it may be a route that Iraola and Liverpool consider towards the conclusion of the window.
Quansah disclosed in April that his decision to depart hinged on first-team opportunities, which might pave the way for a comeback should Liverpool offer regular match action. "To be honest, I wouldn't say it was the hardest decision because I just wanted to play," he said.
"I felt like I could play at the top level, the Bundesliga's a top league and being able to play in the Champions League and play top games. I think you just have maybe a gut feeling. Sometimes you can't think about it too much and listen to too many people to be honest, because you can listen to a few things and get persuaded."
The England centre-half has already agreed personal terms on an Anfield contract, should the Reds opt to trigger their clause. That will undoubtedly ease the burden on Liverpool's recruitment team, safe in the knowledge they can finalise an agreement in the forthcoming weeks if additional defensive cover is needed.