Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s preparations for the new season may not resemble the typical sharp, full-squad return fans are used to.
With a number of senior Reds expected to go deep into the latter stages of the international summer tournaments, Andoni Iraola – and several other Premier League managers – could be working with a significantly reduced group when pre-season kicks off.
Given the physical demands of tournament football, those involved internationally will almost certainly be granted extended breaks, leaving younger players and fringe options to carry much of the early workload.
However, it seems the Spanish manager may already be busy with transfer business if claims from Spain are to be believed.
Speaking to The Redmen TV, Spanish journalist Angel Garcia has claimed that Andoni Iraola is “going to try” and sign Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia:
“The people I spoke to were pretty sure that Andoni Iraola is going to try to sign Fran Garcia,” he said.
“Garcia is going to leave Real Madrid this year. I was reading in many Spanish sports magazines that Jose Mourinho does not want Fran Garcia in his team this year.”
“There are many teams really interested in signing him in Spain, like Betis, and even in Italy.”
“If Real Madrid realises that Liverpool wants to sign Fran Garcia, maybe they could ask for somewhere between €6m and €10m.
“What I know is that Betis in Spain are really, really interested.”
“Iraola was the first coach to give him the opportunity to play in La Liga.”
Garcia, once highly rated within Madrid’s system, has seen his appearances dry up this past season.
The 24-year-old struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter last season, and with Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella, his pathway to regular football looks increasingly blocked. As a result, an exit this summer is widely expected.
It would bring into question Kostas Tsimikas’ role at Liverpool, with the left-back returning from his loan at AS Roma for the 2026/27 season.
🚨Fran Garcia Next? | Expert Insight w/Angel Garcia
Spanish football journalist @__AngelGarcia__ believes Andoni Iraola & LFC will move for Fran Garcia this summer 👀
The Real Madrid LB is entering the final year of his contract🇪🇸✍️
Watch the FULL SHOW on Redmen Plus 📲🔴 pic.twitter.com/r7EgNTM0wy
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) June 24, 2026