Liverpool will take on Newcastle on the opening weekend of the Premier League season in what will be Andoni Iraola's first competitive game as boss
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
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Liverpool will face Newcastle on the opening day of the 2026/2027 Premier League and all eyes will be on Andoni Iraola's first XI. Thanks to the Reds' huge transfer splurge last summer, the Basque may have to rein it in just a little when looking to recruit this summer.
Liverpool will travel to the North East to take on Eddie Howe's side on Sunday, August 23. The transfer window, however, doesn't close until Tuesday, September 1, meaning the first XI Iraola deploys on the opening weekend may not be the one he takes into the season.
Liverpool have secured the services of Spanish international Victor Munoz so far with more incomings expected. With that in mind, theECHOtakes a look at what the Spanish manager's first competitive first XI for the Reds could look like.
Iraola to inject new life into the back four
Alisson, 33, is expected to depart after his contract expires next season, but he will take his place in between the sticks for one final season under Iraola. The back four could look very different, however.
Giovanni Leoni, 19, who joined from Parma last summer for £26m, will be pushing for a start as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes during the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris FC and Stade Rennais FC (Rennes) at Stade Jean Bouin on November 7, 2025 in Paris, France
Jeremy Jacquet will join up with Liverpool this summer(Image: 2025 Jean Catuffe)
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Yet it's French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, bought from Rennes in January for £60m, who will line up alongside captain Virgil Van Dijk in the heart of defence.
At right-back, Conor Bradley, 22, deserves a chance to prove himself upon returning from a long lay-off. But in the meantime, the Reds could swoop for a player like Porto's Alberto Costa, who will offer stern competition to Jeremie Frimpong.
The 22-year-old has impressed with several assists and isn't afraid of getting stuck in. His budget-friendly transfer fee of around £25m could also appeal to Iraola.
On the other side, Milos Kerkez will drop in at left-back and can only benefit from linking up with Iraola once again following their time together at Bournemouth.
A midfield conundrum
While the Reds have been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson, Iraola has an ideal No. 6 already at the club in the shape of Ryan Gravenberch.
Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch before Galatasaray vs Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch should keep their place in Liverpool's first team next season(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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While he had an off-season this year, so too did several Reds stars, with the Dutchman currently reminding everyone of his talent at the World Cup.
Gravenberch will fit in alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, who will have the licence to roam. Alexis Mac Allister, if he stays this season, should settle for a place on the bench.
The Reds' midfield may be overhauled in the near future, but with little time between the World Cup ending and the opening weekend of the Premier League, Iraola will need a functioning midfield that knows each other well.
An introduction of pace
Up front speaks for itself. The deadly duo of Hugo Ekitke and Alexander Isak is yet to ignite, thanks to injuries and still won't get to shine until the former makes a full recovery from a ruptured achilles. That means it'll be down to Isak to start living up to his £125m fee by leading the line for the Reds.
Yan Diomande during the World Cup game between Ivory Coast and Germany.
Yan Diomande during the World Cup game between Ivory Coast and Germany.(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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To the side of him will be Yan Diomande, who will cost around £85m from RB Leipzig and Munoz. The Reds sorely lacked pace on the flanks this season and with the departure of Mohamed Salah, both Diomande and Munoz will give Iraola a versatility and energy in attack not seen at Anfield in some time.
Liverpool's possible XI on Premier League opening day: Alisson, Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Costa ; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Diomande, Munoz, Isak.
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