Liverpool has several areas in the team to consider transfers for, as Andoni Iraola makes his view clear on the issues his side has at right-back ahead of the new season
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
04:00, 23 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola has discussed problems at right-back for Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has discussed problems at right-back for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
As the summer transfer window ramps up following the conclusion of the World Cup, Liverpool is looking to make several key additions to improve the team moving forward.
The Reds are coming off the back of a difficult campaign, and with a change of head coach, Andoni Iraola is looking to bring back the high-intensity style that brought trophies and got the Anfield crowd off their feet.
Before that is possible, however, improvements to the team are clearly needed. Iraola has asked for another winger this summer, which is a top priority for the club, while another area of concern comes at right-back.
Last season, Liverpool had to play several players out of position to accommodate injury issues across the team, with Conor Bradley the most notable absence in the backline. Heading into preseason, Iraola discussed whether a right-back was needed in the market, and responded: "It depends on Conor's situation, a healthy Conor Bradley we are ready to go and we don't ask these questions [of a new right-back] because we trust him and he is our right-back but he is still far from returning. Defensive depth, we are very thin right now."
It's clear that the Liverpool manager wants new options at his disposal, if they are needed, so here is a look at a few players who could fill that area.
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
A move for Jules Kounde may be at the more expensive end of the scale, but it would be a move that could solve several issues in the backline for Liverpool. The Barcelona and France star is potentially available this summer, and given his ability to cover at right-back and center-back, he could offer some much-needed depth and versatility to the team.
Jules Kounde of Barcelona and France could be an option for Liverpool
Jules Kounde of Barcelona and France could be an option for Liverpool(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
The 27-year-old has been a regular for the Blaugrana since his switch from Sevilla, making 188 appearances with 10 goals and 22 assists to his name. He wouldn't offer the type of attacking intent that many would want, but he has the required energy to fill in as a solid defensive option on the right. That could bring some balance to the backline, allowing Milos Kerkez to push on more to highlight his strengths moving forward.
Michael Kayode (Brentford)
Michael Kayode has made an impressive transition to the Premier League over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a quality defender for Brentford. The 22-year-old possesses plenty of pace, an ability to get up and down the flank, while he is also a capable defender for the Bees when required.
The Italian also has a trick up his sleeve with an incredibly long throw, one that is flat and essentially works like another set-piece, which could be a secret weapon for Liverpool in this increasingly physical Premier League landscape. One of the main concerns surrounding a deal would be the price, however, as Kayode recently extended his contract with Brentford, who are known for negotiating hard for any potential player sales.
Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Few players saw their reputation rise over the World Cup quite like Djed Spence, as the Tottenham star put in some impressive performances for England in its run to a third-place finish.
While the full-back is returning to Spurs with an increased reputation, the club is seemingly open to a sale this summer, which may alert a few clubs. Liverpool should be among the mix, with Spence showing the energy required of an Iraola team, as well as the versatility to play as a right-back and a left-back, which will be useful moving forward.
Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Looking across the Premier League for promising young options, Chelsea's Josh Acheampong should be on the radar of several top clubs. The 20-year-old has been tipped for a big future in soccer, but his lack of minutes could make him open to a potential switch in the transfer window.
Acheampong would cover off some key areas, as he can play as both a right-back and center-back, offering valuable depth and the ability to grow further in the future.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Genoa)
Looking abroad, Liverpool could try and get a deal done for Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with a deal that could turn out to be a relative bargain. The 22-year-old has been a regular in Serie A since his switch from Arsenal, with the potential to grow further in the future with more game time.
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Norton-Cuffy would count as homegrown, with the England youth international spending time in the Arsenal academy before securing a switch to Italy. With three years left on his contract, it's unclear exactly how much it would take for a team like Liverpool to secure the right-back, but it could come as a bargain compared to the Premier League options.