Within hours of becoming Liverpool’s new manager, Andoni Iraola was linked with every one of his standout Bournemouth performers, including Alex Scott and Eli Junior Kroupi.
Before the links to Iraola even began, Liverpool were also seriously keen on signing Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi before their respective moes to Man City, Real Madrid and PSG.
Those transfers alone should highlight what an amazing coach Iraola really is, and how he is the perfect man for the job of reinvigoriating some fantastic players at Liverpool.
The latest to be linked with a move to a major club is Rayan, after TEAMtalk reported this week that Liverpool are interested in bringing him to Anfield.
They claimed that Liverpool have “made enquiries” over the possibility of signing Rayan this summer transfer window, with the Merseysiders continuing to explore “long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah.”
He is said to be “a player they have discussed extensively” with Iraola.
Liverpool urged to complete Rayan transfer for Iraola
Alan Shearer was asked about the links between Liverpool and Rayan, urging the Reds to get a deal done for the 19-year-old, mentioning the existing relationship between the Brazilian starlet and Iraola.
“Yeah, that would be a big thing,” Shearer said when asked about Liverpool and Rayan.
“They’re going to have to replace Salah on that side. Rayan obviously worked with Andoni Iraola last year and he’s clearly going on to big things, so that would be a big one for Liverpool.
“Liverpool are going to have to make two or three big signings and that would start them off nicely. They were pretty awful last year in terms of where they wanted to be, so they have to go out and they have to sign.”
Rayan is a special, special player
Most people won’t forget the first time they watched Rayan play for Bournemouth. I’m willing to bet that it doesn’t matter when that was, but it’s instantly clear when you watch him that he’s a very special player.
Rayan. Aged 19. Heading to his first World Cup ???? pic.twitter.com/8oSSKKP1rs
— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) May 18, 2026
Unfortunately, the consequence of his obvious quality is that the Cherries have slapped a £100m price tag on his head, which will almost certainly mean he doesn’t move to Anfield.
Liverpool moved on from Yan Diomande for the same reason. It’s just altogether too risky to spend such vast sums on teenagers, no matter how exciting they are.
Michael first started supporting Liverpool after Istanbul in 2006. He has since followed the Reds with passion and curiosity, founding Rousing the Kop, Anfield Central while briefly co-owning Anfield Watch. Michael lives in Cape Town, South Africa.