Liverpool are preparing for a new era on the red side of Merseyside and will get their first look at Andoni Iraola’s plans for the squad when pre-season starts next week.
The Reds will be looking for an improved and more consistent campaign under their new manager, with hopes that the former Bournemouth boss’ football philosophy will translate well at Anfield.
There is still plenty of time before the new Premier League season begins to find solutions both on the training ground and in the transfer market, so supporters can expect an intriguing few weeks ahead.
What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?
It was reported last week, after months of speculation, that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract next summer and is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
The news sent supporters on social media into a spiral as they debated whether Hughes would remain fully committed to shaping the future of a Liverpool squad in desperate need of stability after a difficult 12 months.
However, The Athletic’s James Pearce has now offered an insight into the club’s transfer plans, reassuring the Anfield faithful that Hughes remains fully focused on Liverpool’s priorities this summer.
The journalist has confirmed that the Scotsman will continue to be responsible for negotiating deals and retains the owners’ trust to make the right decisions as he works to help Iraola build a squad capable of competing for major honours in the years ahead.
Quoting senior figures, Pearce claims that Liverpool’s transfer plans remain unaffected by Hughes’ planned departure and that it is very much business as usual behind the scenes.
What’s next for Liverpool?
After signing Victor Munoz and confirming the planned deal for Jeremy Jacquet, Liverpool remain focused on bolstering their attacking threat following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian winger had been Liverpool’s most important and reliable contributor in front of goal for almost a decade, and while a direct like-for-like replacement feels impossible to achieve, the club is keen to identify players capable of making up for the huge loss to their attacking threat.
Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, but with the FIFA World Cup in its latter stages, it is unlikely that any approach or negotiations for the France international will be possible before the Blues’ fate on the world stage is decided.
It was also reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Mexico star Gilberto Mora this summer, further demonstrating their intent to secure the next generation of talent.
Mora has been one of the breakout stars of the World Cup over the last month, and it is claimed that the Reds will be joined by Premier League champions Arsenal in the race for his signature.
While fresh arrivals remain the priority over the coming weeks, Pearce’s update should provide reassurance that Hughes’ impending departure is not expected to disrupt Liverpool’s recruitment plans, with the sporting director still entrusted to oversee one of the club’s most significant transfer windows in recent years.