The eyes of the footballing world are currently on North America as the World Cup takes centre stage for the summer. However, in the background, clubs are still working hard on their preparations for the upcoming season and Liverpool fans have already seen plenty of change that could make for an interesting summer ahead.
Andoni Iraola is in the building after Arne Slot was relieved of his duties following a sub-par 2025/26 season. Iraola himself led Bournemouth to their highest ever Premier League finish, a fine 6th place that guaranteed Europa League football for the south coast club next season.
However, Liverpool acted swiftly to appoint the in-demand Spaniard, who already enjoys a close working relationship with Liverpool sporting director, Richard Hughes, the man that brought Iraola to Bournemouth.
Now that the managerial dust has settled, Iraola and the Liverpool recruitment department are already getting to work to mould a squad that looked short in key areas last season. The World Cup is set to play a significant role in the recruitment and general pre-season preparations, with potential new names added to an extensive shortlist of preferences and disruptions to training.
Recruitment Issues
It has already been a summer of change at Anfield with Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Roberston following Liverpool legend Mo Salah out the door on free transfers. The arrival of Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes, a transfer that was confirmed in the January transfer window, will soften the blow in central defence, but reinforcements are required across the back four in general.
Konstantinos Tsimikas returns from a loan spell at AS Roma to provide cover for Milos Kerkez, but the right side of defence is in desperate need of support. The World Cup effect has already granted Jeremie Frimpong an unwanted rest over the summer after he was left out of Ronald Koeman’s squad.
But right back is potentially the priority position after central midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai were forced to cover in the absence of Frimpong and Joe Gomez. However, any activity might be hampered by potential targets being away at the World Cup.
This could prove an obstacle in Liverpool’s quest to replace Mo Salah, with targets Bradley Barcola (PSG, France), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig, Ivory Coast), and Bazoumana Toure (TSG Hoffenheim, Ivory Coast) all away at the World Cup.
The expectations set by Liverpool fans will largely depend on this summer’s transfer activity and potential signings will also impact how Liverpool’s chances are reflected in soccer betting odds and lines, with experts fully expecting Liverpool to improve on their disappointing 5th place finish last season.
Disrupted Pre-Season
While the World Cup dazzles football fans across the globe, it is often a nightmare for managers that have most of their squad away on international duty. That is the case for Iraola, who has over half of his potential starting eleven in North America.
Alisson, Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, and Alexis Mac Allister could all arguably be in Iraola’s first starting eleven list, which is also currently affected by the long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike.
With potential new signings also at the World Cup, any player involved usually takes an extensive period of rest whenever their campaign finishes. The earliest date players would join up with the squad could be shortly before the new season kicks off.
The blow will be potentially softened by preseason fixtures being held in the U.S towards the end of July, but nevertheless, the first few weeks are integral, especially for a new manager. Iraola is renowned for playing a high-octane style of football that requires lots of time on the training ground with the whole group to get the systematic pressing finely tuned. He will not be afforded that this summer.
The Same for Other Rivals
One shred of consolation for Iraola and Liverpool is that many of their rivals in the Premier League and on the continent are in the same boat. The World Cup disrupts all the top teams that have their squads depleted by call-ups. With the World Cup also adding to fatigue levels, player management will also be a topic high on Iraola’s list when they return.
The World Cup is naturally taking most of the headlines right now, but as much work as possible is being done at Anfield to try to get the club back to the top. Over the coming weeks, the rumour mill will remain highly active as Liverpool potentially set themselves up for another big spending summer.
While the World Cup brings the world’s eyes onto secretly thoroughly scouted talents, while also inflating price tags through stellar performances, there are diamonds in the rough to unearth. The World Cup effect is not all bad.