Liverpool is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as they look to rebuild under new manager Andoni Iraola, with World Cup wonderkid Gilberto Mora among the targets
Ben Pawlowski
07:34, 03 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola with Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick
Iraola worked with Shaun Cooper (L) and Tommy Elphick (R) during his time at Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Liverpool is facing a pivotal period in the transfer window as Andoni Iraola looks to rebuild the squad after an underwhelming season. The Reds secured fifth place in the Premier League and were eliminated before the semi-final stage of every cup competition, resulting in Arne Slot's departure and the appointment of former Bournemouth boss Iraola as his replacement.
The Spanish manager has already wrapped up his first signing by bringing in highly-rated Osasuna winger Victor Munoz for $46 million. He has also welcomed French centre-half Jeremy Jacquet, who officially completed his move to Merseyside on July 1 following Liverpool's $73.5 million agreement with Rennes struck in January.
However, significant further business is expected, especially after the departures of Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, which have created substantial voids within the squad. Sporting director Richard Hughes is believed to have made signing a new right winger his top priority – although his own position has come under scrutiny with growing rumours of a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
World Cup wonderkid
The World Cup has traditionally served as an outstanding showcase for emerging talent. This summer's competition in North America has been no different, with Liverpool reportedly among the clubs monitoring 17 year old Mexican winger Gilberto Mora, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The teenage sensation created history on Wednesday after being named in the starting XI against Ecuador, becoming only the second youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind Brazilian legend Pele. According to De Telegraaf, the Club Tijuana youngster is poised for a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all expressing interest.
However, the Reds may be required to wait, as visa regulations mean Mora cannot move to England until turning 18 in October.
"In six months, during the winter transfer window, Gilberto Mora is going to take off [...] he's going to be a Premier League," TNT Sports' Mexico journalist Rodrigo Lara told AS Mexico. "I can't say which team...Today, after the match against Ecuador and after the England game, things are going to move forward for Gilberto Mora. The information I have is that Gilberto Mora will play in the Premier League."
Gilberto Mora has been tipped for a Premier League move
Gilberto Mora has been tipped for a Premier League move(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Article continues below
Double deal agreed
For years, Liverpool developed a reputation for raiding Southampton for their best players. Now, the same trend seems to be emerging further down the south coast.
Liverpool has already secured the signings of Iraola, Hughes and left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, while also being strongly linked with Brazilian forward Rayan. The contingent making the switch from Dorset to Merseyside has grown considerably further after the club confirmed that Cherries coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper are set to join Iraola's backroom team at Anfield.
The pair, who both represented Bournemouth as players before moving into coaching, will link up with the first-team support staff following constructive talks with their former employers. They will be joined by assistant coach Pablo de la Torre and first-team tactical analyst Tom Weber, both of whom previously worked alongside Iraola during his tenure on the south coast.