The World Cup has concluded and Andoni Iraola's Liverpool may look to pounce and sign some of the tournament's standout stars
New Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola poses at AXA Training Centre
The Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool has begun(Image: Getty)
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Andoni Iraola is set to be backed with a few more signings as he embarks on his first season as Liverpool boss. And some targets might have caught the club's eye after their performances at the World Cup.
Focus now turns to the Premier League with the World Cup concluded and Liverpool have only welcomed two additions so far this summer. One of those, Victor Munoz, was on the winning side in North America as Spain lifted the title, though he didn't play a single minute. Jeremy Jacquet has also arrived after a £60million deal was negotiated with Rennes in January.
However, with big names like Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate departing, more reinforcements will be necessary. The World Cup may have been the perfect litmus test for players the Reds board will now target and the ECHOtakes a look at five stars who could be signed on the back of their stellar outings.
Bradley Barcola
Securing a successor to Salah is undoubtedly Liverpool's top priority and France forward Bradley Barcola continues to be linked with a move to Anfield. The PSG winger starred for Les Bleus in the States, often ousting stars like Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki from Didier Deschamps' starting XI. He also scored three times during the tournament.
It's believed that Barcola would cost more than £100million. Despite this, The Athletic has reported that Liverpool are closely monitoring his situation and would love to add him to their squad.
Bradley Barcola #12 of France reacts after the 4-6 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium
Barcola could succeed Salah(Image: Getty)
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Barcola has two years remaining on his contract and the consensus is that he will leave this summer. However, the Reds would likely face competition from other European giants if they pursue the 23-year-old.
Ferran Torres
Every World Cup final needs a hero and this year's was Spain and Barcelona winger Ferran Torres. The 26-year-old smashed home the winner in New Jersey after the game had gone to extra-time and this was enough to secure a 1-0 victory.
Ferran Torres #7 of Spain celebrates with his medal after the team’s victory following during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium
Torres' goal won Spain the World Cup(Image: Getty)
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Whilst an entire nation hails him, at club level, Torres' future is uncertain. Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona would offload him in the coming months.
With Liverpool after a winger, the ex-Manchester City man could fit the bill, albeit the rumours out of France this week that the Reds are all set to go head-to-head with PSG for his £40m signature are baseless.
Ibrahim Mbaye
On the topic of PSG, one of their future stars could be Liverpool's present. Senegal cruelly exited the World Cup, being taken to extra time by Belgium, only to be dumped out after new Manchester United man Youri Tielemans converted a 125th-minute penalty.
But Ibrahim Mbaye dazzled. He scored against France in the group stages and showed flair out wide, starting in his country's 5-0 win over Iraq. At just 18, the PSG winger is not yet proven, but neither is a player like Rio Ngumoha, who many would like to see given a starting berth by Iraola in the upcoming season.
Ibrahim Mbaye #20 of Senegal warms up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Senegal and Iraq at Toronto Stadium
The PSG teenager impressed for Senegal(Image: Getty)
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Reds fans are used to seeing Senegalese talent thrive at Anfield and L'Equipe reports that Mbaye could only cost between £34m and £42m, which could look like a real bargain.
Jarell Quansah
Moving away from wingers, Liverpool will need defensive additions with Konate departing and Virgil van Dijk slowing down. They could soon look to one of their former academy stars. Now, Jarell Quansah's World Cup was far from perfect. His red card against Mexico in the round of 16 was a rash challenge and could have sent the Three Lions home.
Jarell Quansah #26 of England looks on during the first half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium
Quansah is a product of Liverpool's academy(Image: Getty)
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But the 23-year-old England defender, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer for £35m, caught the eye against Panama and looked incredibly composed at right-back versus France.
Quansah is versatile, knows what it takes to play for the Reds and would return a much more seasoned professional if his boyhood club snaps him back up. Although if Anfield chiefs wait a year, they will reportedly have a £56.2m buy-back clause to activate.
Maxim De Cuyper
Left-back could be another position of concern for Iraola this term, given that Robertson has left and Milos Kerkez looked vulnerable at times last season under Arne Slot.
Maxim De Cuyper #5 of Belgium looks on prior to the game against Mexico at Soldier Field
De Cuyper could be a great squad addition(Image: Getty)
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Therefore, signing another left-sided full-back who won't break the bank to rotate with Kerkez, should Kostas Tsimikas prove surplus to requirements in the coming weeks, may be on the agenda.
Belgium's Maxim De Cuyper was linked with a move to Anfield before he signed for Brighton and he stood out for his national team at the World Cup, starting five of their games in their run to the quarter-finals. He would be cost-effective and has Premier League experience.