Andoni Iraola is treating the entire Liverpool squad as new signings and could bring the best out of some of the Reds' overlooked players, including Harvey Elliott after the midfielder's tough year at Aston Villa
08:26, 18 Jun 2026
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola could give several players fresh opportunities
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola could give several players fresh opportunities(Image: Getty Images)
The appointment of Andoni Iraola as Liverpool's new head coach presents several players with a renewed chance to cement their place in the club's first-team plans.
The Spanish coach was confirmed as Arne Slot's replacement at Liverpool earlier this month. The 43-year-old earned widespread praise throughout his three-year tenure at Bournemouth, where he led the Cherries to sixth in the table last season, securing the club's first-ever European campaign.
A defining feature of Iraola's time on the south coast was his ability to develop players, with the likes of Dean Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Eli Junior Kroupi all attracting significant interest from elsewhere.
Milos Kerkez spent two years working under Iraola before completing his move to Anfield last year. Nevertheless, Iraola is approaching the entire Liverpool squad as though they are new acquisitions. "For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings," he said. "For me, you are all new signings, and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."
Iraola inherits a squad brimming with established stars. However, the new head coach's arrival could also unlock the potential of some of the Reds' overlooked talents.
Harvey Elliott
The 23-year-old will be keen to revive his career following a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa. Harvey Elliott made just nine appearances last term as Unai Emery's side opted not to meet the terms that would have triggered an obligation to buy him.
Harvey Elliott struggled for game time at Aston Villa
Harvey Elliott struggled for game time at Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
A year after securing the Player of the Tournament accolade at the U21 Euros, the midfielder now stands at a pivotal juncture. Prior to his Villa transfer, Elliott had also witnessed his Liverpool game time diminish throughout Slot's inaugural season at the helm.
It has proved a challenging couple of campaigns for a player who was a regular fixture under Jurgen Klopp. Yet another managerial appointment presents him with a fresh opportunity to resurrect his Liverpool career.
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic's most recent appearance for Liverpool was in May 2024. The gifted 21-year-old has witnessed his career progression hindered by fitness setbacks, but he could emerge as one of the talents Iraola warms to in his new position.
Prior to the Reds' midfield restructure two years earlier, the Spaniard emerged as a promising long-term option, making 19 appearances. Nevertheless, injuries have disrupted his journey toward becoming a regular at Liverpool.
Bajcetic, who previously spent loan spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas, has already shortened his summer break to focus on his conditioning ahead of pre-season. The new Liverpool manager could help the midfielder make up for missed opportunities.
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas could offer Iraola and Liverpool an immediate answer. A left-back position remains available in the squad following Andy Robertson's departure this summer. While Iraola is set to install former Bournemouth player Kerkez as his first-choice full-back, the Hungary international requires competition for his position.
Tsimikas previously served as Robertson's deputy and could resume that function at Anfield. The 30-year-old spent the last campaign on loan at Roma, featuring in 25 matches. Nevertheless, Tsimikas has another year remaining on his Liverpool deal and could prove a valuable squad member under Iraola.
James McConnell
The talented midfielder signed for Ajax last summer, but his transfer to the Dutch club failed to materialize as anticipated. James McConnell was due to operate under Slot's former assistant, John Heitinga, yet the manager was dismissed merely months afterward.
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The 21-year-old made seven appearances before officially returning to Liverpool in February and undergoing surgery on a shoulder complaint. McConnell has turned out for the Reds on 13 occasions and will be eager to impress new boss Iraola this summer.